NTB gets Rp 94.94b from development projects

Antara, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara

The government will earmark this year a whopping Rp 94.94 billion (US$9.7 million) in funds to carry out development projects in 325 villages across the province.

The funds, which come from the fuel subsidy compensation funds, will be used to finance infrastructure projects in the 325 villages, said the head of West Nusa Tenggara Settlement and Regional Infrastructure Office (Kimpraswil), Jalal.

As much as Rp 5.8 billion of the funds will be allocated for 23 subdistricts in Mataram city, Rp 13.1 billion for 53 villages in West Lombok, Rp 12.60 billion for 50 villages in Central Lombok and Rp 12.72 billion for 50 villages in East Lombok.

Furthermore, 31 villages in West Sumbawa regency will receive Rp 7.83 billion, 44 villages in Sumbawa regency Rp 11.18 billion, 46 villages in Dompu regency Rp 11.30 billion, 52 villages in Bima regency Rp 13,18 billion and 20 subdistricts in Bima municipality will get Rp 5.53 billion.

"The funds will be used to build village infrastructure, such as clean water facilities, access roads and irrigation networks," said Jalal. The infrastructure projects will be carried out using the labor intensive method of community self-help, joint operation scheme or the involvement of contractors.

According to Jalal, the labor-intensive method would be preferential, but it all depends on the community and village chiefs. If they are unable to perform the task, then the project can be accomplished through the joint operation scheme, or handed over to contractors. He said that a task force would be appointed to supervise the program, while the respective communities in villages and subdistricts would carry out construction work.

"The villages and subdistricts that are provided with the funds have been categorized as poor," said Jalal.

The respective communities will entirely decide on the project scheme, while the Kimpraswil office will only determine the technical aspects of the project. Jalal said that Rp 1.91 billion of the funds had been set aside for Kimpraswil offices in the province and municipalities/regencies for supervisory expenses.

"The aim of the program is to alleviate poverty, and non- governmental organizations are also expected to be involved in this program," said Jalal.