ADB remains committed to helping Aceh economy
Antara Interactive
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Banda Aceh (ANTARA News) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it will stick to its commitment to revive and develop the economy of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) in the wake of the tsunami which devastated large parts of the province in December 2004.
“The ADB has provided at least US$340 million for post-tsunami rehabilitation and reconstruction of Aceh, including the revival and improvement of the people`s economy,” ADB Vice President, Lawrence Greenwood, said here after visiting an ADB-funded agricultural project in Mireuk Lamreudop Village, Baitussalam subdisrict, Wednesday.
In the subdistrict, ADB has provided aid for the rehabilitation of 60 hectares of rice fields, which include seeds, fertilizer, tractors, and a two-kilometer irrigation system.
The Bank has also provided assistance for the development of corn and coconut plantations covering a total of 220 hectares.
Baitussalam subdistrict was among the regions in NAD worst-hit by the tidal waves. Paddy fields in the region were still inundated and therefore cannot be cultivated.
The ADB would also provide aid for the rehabilitation and building of roads, irrigation infrastructure, clean water, healthcare equipment, education, housing, and the handicraft industry.
Meanwhile, head of Mireuk Lamreudop Village, Abubakar said the aid from the ADB and some NGOs has helped villagers revive their economy, especially in the agricultural and industrial sectors.
In the agriculture sector, vilagers began to raise corn and coconut while in the industrial sector, they produce building materrials, like bricks, Abubakar said. (*)