The Installation of City Gas Network is Begun at the End of July
Palembang. If there is no obstacle at the end of July, the installation project of natural gas network will be begun and expected could be completed in December 2009.
"At first, we focus on two administrative villages but next year we have already proposed the addition of this city gas for seven sub-districts more namely Seberang Ulu I, Seberang Ulu II, Ilir Timur I, Ilir Barat II, Bukit Kecil and Gandus, "said the head of Industry, Trade, and Cooperation Service (Disperindagkop) for Palembang city, Wantjik Badaruddin, Wednesday, (15 / 7).
However, Wantjik said the organizer of the city gas is still yet determined due to the tender process of city gas management, Directorate General of Oil and Gas will be just begun after the installation of city gas network has been completed.
"We expect PT. Sarana Pembangunan Palembang Jaya (SP2J) Palembang will be able to manage this project as it will be much easier if it is directly conducted by BUMD (local-owned corporation) in Palembang, "he said.
Wantjik also hopes there will be more cooperation with PT. Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) for the development of city gas in Palembang, because according to his opinion, PT. PGN has been existing for six years in Palembang yet there is no the consumers' growth that are served.
"As we know the customers of PT. PGN until now only about 300 families and they are dominated by business class. Therefore, the Palembang Municipality will later discuss this with PT. PGN and hope that PT. PGN can help in developing the city gas, at least for 3.000 families, "he said.
Associated with the management, Assistant II of Local Secretariat in the field of Economic, Apriadi S Busri said the local administration (Palembang Municipality) is really hoping this project could be managed by local area.
"If it has been given to the local administration, we could choose or establish a local company to become its operator. So, it is expected that the management can more maximum, "he said.
Apriadi said the operator tasks themselves are handle everything which associated with the city gas service, start monitoring the delivery of gas network from the gas supplier to the consumer, check the gas meter and its billing. (Sindo)
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