Padang, W Sumatra (ANTARA News) - The government is preparing a 11-point program to support the economic recovery of tsunami-devastated Mentawai islands, a report said.

The program directed towards restoring plantation, fishery, husbandry and trade subsectors is put in the post-tsunami rehabilitation and reconstruction action plan drawn up by the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), the National Disaster Mitigation Board (BNPB), the West Sumatra provincial government and the Mentawi district government, according to the report obtained by ANTARA on Sunday.

The government`s support for the development of the plantation subsector includes replanting coconut, areca nut and pandanus trees in affected areas and opening new plantations.

The support for the fishery subsector includes rehabilitation and reconstruction of a seaport and fishery facilities and infrastructures including procurement of motor boats, and fishing boats, as well as rehabilitation and reconstruction of coastal areas.

To recover the husbandry subsector from the tsunami, the government will provide cattle and poultry offspring, feed and medicines and familiarize local people with husbandry business.

The support for the trade subsector covers reconstruction of local markets, kiosks and food stalls in affected areas.

To support the economy of tsunami victims resettled in new residential areas, the government plans to develop a plantation project according to the islands` potentials.

The post-tsunami economic recovery program will cost an estimated Rp114.60 billion.

A 7.2-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck the Mentawai Islands off the western coast of Sumatra island on October 26 last year, killing at least 400 people.(*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011