PALU REGAINING LIFE
19 to 21 flights daily at reopened airport
THE “dead city” is slowly regaining life with the reopening of the Bandara Mutiara SIS AlJufrie Airport since the earthquake and tsunami on Sept 28.
Checks revealed that the number of flights and passengers continued to rise since Oct 7.
Indonesian Transport Ministry’s civil aviation officer Pramintohadi Sukarno said 2,535 commuters left the city here on Oct 7, followed by 3,023 people the next day.
“Yesterday (Tuesday), 2,973 people departed from the city and headed for Makassar, Jakarta or Balik Papan, Kalimantan. Between 19 and 21 commercial flights are available daily and this showed that the transportation for inbound and outbound (routes) has been revived.”
He said the ministry was working towards repairing the facilities at the airport that were damaged in the earthquake.
“The quake had caused damage to the pillars, walls, glass doors, roof and other facilities here. Works to clear the debris are ongoing. Passenger check-in counters, luggage claims system, toilets, surau and waiting area on the ground floor are functioning well, while repair work is needed for the waiting area on the second floor.”
Electric supply to 95 per cent of the town had been restored starting yesterday, enabling some business premises, including eateries, to open. Electricity was also restored at government offices, banks, automated teller machines, hospital, petrol stations and places of worship.
Power supply in Donggala and Sigi was also restored after the seven electrical substations were repaired.
Some petrol stations and restaurants had resumed operation after being closed for almost a week.
The city, which was previously deserted and dark at night, is now filled with people and vehicles.
Pasar Masomba and Pasar inpres were also filled with traders and customers.