Speedboat abused by officials

JAYAPURA, Papua: Legislative council members here are complaining about the frequent misuse of a local government-owned speedboat by officials.

Council Speaker Isack S. Kapilele told Antara on Friday the regency administration should be held responsible for wasting Rp 5 billion (US$555,000) in buying the speedboat last year using regency funds.

The boat was originally supposed to transport farmers living in the north coast and the crops they would sell in the provincial capital, Jayapura. But it turned out that it was used to carry officials on trips.

"It would be better for the administration to sell the speedboat if it cannot serve the public," Isack said. -- Antara