Fictitious projects funded in Medan

MEDAN, North Sumatra: North Sumatra provincial councillors urged the administration on Monday to investigate fictitious projects worth of billions of rupiah in regencies and mayoralties the funds for which came from the province's budget.

The recommendation was aired at the plenary meeting after conducting field trips to inspect development projects in Karo, Dairi, Pakpak Bharat, Samosir, North Tapanuli and Humbang Hasundutan regencies.

The report said most all of projects were fictitious and the funds were marked up.

Chairman of the council's team, Rizal Sirait, cited the rehabilitation and fencing project of the provincial administration's cottage in Gundaling, Brastagi worth of Rp 311 million. In reality, it was only painted.

Moreover, the project to construct a child care unit in a public hospital in Dolok Sanggul at the cost of Rp 200 million did not meet the required standards, he added.

"We're disappointed. The budget is already big but we still find leaking roofs and fragile pillars," he said. -- JP