Problem over refugee settlement

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The Kendari regency administration has rejected a Rp 3 billion project to develop a new settlement area for some 1,000 displaced families because it is managed by the provincial administration, Antara said on Monday.

Head of Kendari transmigration agency Erna Bansin said the project in Marombo village had been commissioned to officials of the provincial government instead of the regency administration.

The proposed settlement would accommodate families from Ambon, North Maluku, East Timor and Poso (Central Sulawesi) who have been displaced by communal conflicts.

Governor La Ode Kaimoeddin said that in view of the regency administration's refusal, he was considering relocating the project to within Kendari city which falls under his jurisdiction. (04)