Regent denies building mansions

TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang Regent H. Syaifullah AR has denied rumors that the two houses purchased by the local administration for the town's secretary and deputy regent are luxurious mansions.

"Yes we have provided the two officials with houses located in Citra Raya Cikupa," the regent said in Tangerang yesterday. But they are not "palaces" as described by the local media, he added.

"The two houses together cost Rp 1.5 billion. But they are the town's assets not privately owned houses," he said. "I wouldn't call the houses mansions."

According to Syaifullah, the City Council approved the purchase of the two houses. "If you don't believe me you can check with the members of the council overseeing development affairs."

He said the two-story house for the town's secretary stands on a 622-square-meter plot of land, while the deputy regent's two- story house stands on 800 square meters.

Asked if the City Council approved of the choice of location, Syaifullah said that in certain cases he, as regent, has the authority to decide without consulting the council.

He made it clear that there are certificates which state that the houses belong to the town administration.(18/bas)