Pipeline fiasco criticized

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 at a cost of Rp 150 million (US$16,300) and was then dismantled by the Bekasi City Public Works Agency after it was allocated 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. --JP