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)