Bengkulu (ANTARA) - The central government has allocated Rp35 billion (US$2.3 million) for the development of a tourist destination in Bengkulu City, Bengkulu Province, called Danau Dendam Tak Sudah (DDTS), whose literal translation is "Lake of Eternal Grudge."

The budget will be utilized to construct several infrastructures, including a new flyover, Head of Bengkulu Province's Public Works and Public Housing Office Tejo Suroso said here Tuesday.

"We are already halfway to completing the construction of a new road, which is expected to become operational by December. Furthermore, we will rearrange the existing road to support the development of the tourist lake," he said.

He said his side is also planning to build a center for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), tourism-supporting facilities, parking lots, as well as other supporting infrastructures and facilities.

"In addition, we are planning to build a small harbor to accommodate recreational boats," he added.

Suroso revealed that all the preparations for developing the DDTS are complete, adding that the provincial government is currently determining a way to relocate merchants that have been running their businesses at the development site.

"We have completed every preparatory measure, including land acquisition. Now, it is a matter of how to relocate the merchants (to a temporary location outside the development site). This development will also benefit them," he said.

According to him, the government of Bengkulu Province is currently focusing on constructing a flyover for DDTS with a budget of Rp87.95 billion (US$5.7 million) and will proceed to develop the tourist destination next.

The provincial government has been working on the 1.39-kilometer-long flyover since April this year and is aiming to complete it by the end of the year.

The new flyover will serve as a substitute for the old road, which will be repurposed for the sake of DDTS' development.

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Translator: Boyke Ledy, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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