Councilors question governor's mansion

Councilors question governor's mansion

SEMARANG, Central Java: Councilors are still debating the
proposal for the construction of a Rp 7.07 billion (approximately
US$3.128 million) official house for the provincial governor.

"The committee in charge of the budget...thinks the house is
clearly too expensive," said H. Mohammad, a member of the
legislative council's budget committee.

He was quoted by Antara yesterday as saying that the proposed
house was initially to absorb Rp 4.2 billion of the province's
current budget. The provincial administration later amended the
proposal and increased the estimated spending, reportedly because
of changes in design and planned construction materials.

The house is to use ceramic tiles imported from Italy, the
agency reported.

Another councilor, Samsoeri Gandakusuma, said the plan for the
spending on the house had been drawn up in violation of
regulations. (swe)