Dam project in Paniai halted

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A dam construction project in Kalibumi, Paniai, has been halted after two years of construction work because of a lack of funds, Paniai regent Jusuf Adipatah said.

Jusuf said the project had already cost Rp 4.6 billion (US$2 million) when the funds dried up.

The dam is intended to irrigate some 4,000 hectares of farm land in the regency.

"Local farmers are complaining that the project has been halted," Jusuf said, as quoted by Antara.

He said he asked the public works ministry to provide the additional funds needed to complete the project. (rms)