Billions for governor office

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The provincial legislative council relented and approved Monday the requested additional Rp 4.9 billion funding for the construction of the governor's new office, bringing the total cost to Rp 33 billion (US$8,918).

The administration's spokesman, Abdul Wahab Dalimunthe, said the request was necessary to make the new office "a representative one".

The money will be used to add three elevators, two power generators and construct a tower, reservoir, water treatment plant, water purifier and a dome over the building's corridor.

The council's four factions said the amount of money requested was "normal" considering the significant additional construction planned.

The plan to increase funding for the construction created an uproar in the community because of the large amount of money involved.

The provincial administration has yet to announce whether the additional funding will be derived from routine spending or other sources. (21/swe)