Quake aid may be dirty

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The local authorities are investigating reports that the aid donated for earthquake victims in the West Lampung regency was embezzled by corrupt government officials.

An information official at the local provincial administration, Hotman Atiek, told Antara over the weekend that there were reports from the local people about the officials who embezzled the funds.

"The case has not reached the regent, but it will be carefully scrutinized," he said.

Earlier 44 families affected by the February quake had complained that some of the cash pledged to them had disappeared en route. They also said that some families received no aid at all.

A total of Rp 10.16 billion reached the regency to rebuild houses and public facilities destroyed by the earthquake. (par)