NTT villages to get central govt funds

KUPANG: The central government plans to allocate more than Rp 200 billion (US$21.05 million) to finance development programs in some 800 poor villages in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), according to a minister.

State Minister for the Development of Disadvantaged Regions Saifullah Yusuf said on Monday the funds were part of a total of Rp 7.76 trillion proposed by the government to be disbursed to some 199 disadvantaged regions throughout the country.

Speaking during a visit to the province, which has been dealing with a number of malnutrition cases, he said the government was still seeking approval from lawmakers for the proposed funds.

He said the money would be prioritized for the development of village infrastructure such as roads, bridges and irrigation systems.

Saifullah could not say when the funds might be disbursed. -- Antara