Councillors accuse officials of graft

NGAWI, East Java: United Development Party (PPP) councillors in the Ngawi assembly are alleging that several officials from Ngawi regency embezzled tens of million of rupiah allocated for public utilities.

"About Rp 18 million (US$2,500) was allocated for erecting street lights, however, the contractor was only paid Rp 6 million," councillor Machrus Yasin was quoted by Antara as saying here on Wednesday.

He also cited the sale of a dilapidated movie theater.

"The purchase was Rp 250 million, but only Rp 112 million was deposited. This shows that some form of collusion went on," he charged. (mds)