Uncaring project boss imprisoned

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The Kendari State Court sentenced Mursalim Kasri to two years in jail yesterday after finding him guilty of manipulating Rp 63 million (US$5,478) disbursed by a Canadian aid group.

Mursalim was head of the development of a clean water and sanitation project worth Rp 144 million which was funded by CARE.

In February 1996 Mursalim went to Surabaya, East Java, to purchase the 12,597 meters of pipes for the project. However the pipes he bought were not the same make or quality, and much cheaper, than those required.

Antara reported that once the project was finished Mursalim pocketed the additional Rp 60 million that had been earmarked to buy the pipes.