‘Ban on heavy vehicles’ entry sparks corruption’

KABUL (Pajhwok): A recent decision by National Security Council (NSC) to ban cargo trucks entry into Kabul city for security reasons has caused a spike in prices of goods and pave way for corruption, traders complained on Thursday.

The unloading of heavy trucks outside the city and lack of storage facilities has irked traders and other stakeholders.

After a rise in insecurity, the NSC decided to ban heavy transport vehicles from entering Kabul. The decision is being implemented for the last three weeks.

Khan Jan Alkozai, deputy head of Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), told Pajhwok Afghan News the decision by NSC had paved way for more corruption.

He claimed for allowing entry to each truck some police officers took 5,000 to 15,000 afs in bribe. Fruit and vegetable traders, he said, had no choice but to pay bribe and enter the city around midnight.

Zahidullah Basharmal, representative of a cement importing company, said they were compelled to pay $350 to $400 extra on each truck. He said despite paying for city’s municipality they also have to pay police now to be able to enter Kabul.

Haji Issa, an importer of sugar, complained that those who did not pay bribes had to unload their trucks outside the city and then transfer their goods to Kabul with small vehicles was very expensive.

Businessman Haji Subhan said the decision was taken for security reasons but there were no government control at the storage facilities.

These traders warned if the government did not lift the ban they would stop importing goods to Kabul.

Lt. Gen. Abdul Rahman Rahimi, Kabul police chief, rejected allegations that police took bribes. “Because the decision is about to be implemented and naturally people will raise objections,” he added.

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