JP/8/BEKASI

JP/8/BEKASI

Bekasi
The Jakarta Post

The Bekasi city administration has been criticized for its
decision to dismantle a newly completed water pipeline in front
of the Bekasi City Hall.

The 800-meter pipeline was installed for Rp 150 million
(US$16,300) and was then dismantled by the Bekasi City Public
Works Agency for an additional Rp 480 million.

"The construction and the dismantling of the water pipeline is
such a waste of time and money," Agus, a member of local non-
governmental organization Kerindu, was quoted as saying by Antara
news agency on Thursday.

"It was not necessary for the city administration to dismantle
the water pipeline. Instead that money could have been used for
more useful projects."

Agus, however, admitted that the project had upset residents
living near the pipeline.

"The project was considered to have blocked the view of the
residents as their houses were lower than the pipeline.

"The residents complained that the pipeline obstructed the
view from their houses," he said.

Agus suggested the Bekasi city administration be more careful
in planning future projects in order to avoid just these types of
difficulties.

City councillor Rustam Effendi of the National Mandate Party
(PAN) faction shared Agus' opinion, saying the Bekasi city
administration should pay more attention to details when planning
future projects.

"Bekasi city officials must improve their work because the
residents are getting better at supervising the officials.

"On the other hand, residents must continue to keep an eye on
the officials to make sure they improve their performance," he
said.