MEULABOH, INDONESIA : The Singapore Armed Forces is planning to
construct a permanent jetty at Meulaboh, Aceh.
The Commander of the SAF Humanitarian Task Force, Colonel Tan
Chuan-Jin says this will greatly help in the relief efforts as a
much larger volume of aid supplies will be able to reach the
disaster stricken areas more quickly.
Currently, supplies are delivered via helicopter and boats through
two makeshift landing sites on shore.
A landing site for Chinook helicopters has already been constructed
but aid supplies are still limited to 5 tonnes per
helicopter.
With the pier, the amount of supplies sent will increase
significantly since a large ship can easily carry hundreds of
tonnes of supplies.
More heavy machinery and vehicles needed for reconstruction work
can also be sent in while more medical supplies can quickly reach
the new surgical centre that the SAF is operating, in conjunction
with Indonesian authorities.
Commander SAF Humanitarian Task Force, Colonel Tan Chuan-Jin said,
"We need to build something sustainable for the longer term. The
road network is badly damaged and repair work will take very long.
Our current methods of sending aid are limited, so we're looking to
create a jetty for larger ships to dock. This is crucial in our
effort to make this area a relief hub."
The SAF is looking into getting contractors to start surveying
possible sites.
It is also looking to leverage on its close working relationship
with the Indonesian authorities to help coordinate aid efforts by
non-government organisations. - CNA