KABUL (SW): A recent survey by the Afghanistan Anti-Corruption Network (AACN) indicates out of 217 contracts inked by the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP) with private firms, the Ministry has taken $ 10 million as bribes.
The Afghanistan Anti-Corruption Network (AACN) shared findings of its latest study with the press here on Saturday. It revealed the MoMP has awarded lucrative mining contracts to parliament members, ministers and outlawed men.
Khan Zaman Amarkhil, director for the AACN, criticized the government for turning a blind eye towards it. He said these mines are contracted mostly in insecure provinces of the country. “Those firms who have paid these bribes are extracting minerals in an unprofessional manner which is damaging the natural resources. But, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum is not paying attention”, charged Amarkhil.
Zabiullah Wardak, member of the AACN, said the ‘lion’s share’ of the mines’ income goes to militants who use it to wage war and kill more civilian and security forces.
The AACN also claimed many of the contractors have not paid taxes either. The Afghanistan Anti-Corruption Network urged the government to take these issues seriously. Salam Watandar wished to have the views of the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, but no avail.
ENDS
