SAF looking to build pier for larger supply ships to dock in Meulaboh
By Channel NewsAsia's Ken Teh and S Ramesh in Meulaboh | Posted: 06 January 2005 1537 hrs

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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

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