NGO critics councillors in road repair

BEKASI: A non-governmental organization chairman, Benny Tunggul, criticized some Bekasi councillors -- many of whom have close connections with road contractors -- by accusing them of a conflict of interest and collusion for directly bidding on or lobbying for road repair contracts in the city located east of Jakarta.

"It's a shame that councillors have the heart to do that," he said as quoted by Antara.

A number of roads in Bekasi have been severely damaged due to flooding, garbage and overuse, in addition to poor quality construction, and are hazardous to motorists and pedestrians alike.

The damaged roads include Jl. Raya Jatiwaringin, Jl. Hankam, Jl. Pekayon, Jl. Kalimalang and Jl. Raya Narogong.

With the 2002 city budget amounting to Rp 435.9 billion (US$43.59 million), the municipal administration should have been able to repair the damaged roads already, Benny added, insinuating a bit of foul play possibly at work.

Head of Bekasi Public Works Agency, Tjandra Utama Effendi, said his office would receive Rp 22 billion from the city budget for the repair projects. -- JP