District chief accused of embezzling project funds

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): Residents of northeastern Badakhshan province on Monday accused the Duraem district of embezzling funds for reconstruction projects.

But the district chief, Abdul Rauf Fahim, denied the allegation. He told Pajhwok Afghan News more than 260 development projects had been completed benefitting thousands of people.

The projects include gravelling and construction of roads, bridges and culverts at a cost of 300 million afghanis provided by the Department of Rural Rehabilitation and Development.

Residents alleged the district chief had put all the money into his own pocket. Abdul Qadir, a local elder, said the official had distributed 12 truckloads of wheat — provided by the World Food Programme (WFP), — to his own people.

“We don’t want such a person. He must be sacked forthwith,” the elder said, calling corruption a major hurdle to the district’s development.

Deputy Governor Gul Mohammad Baidar said a delegation had been dispatched to the district to resolve people’s problems. If the charges were found correct, the district chief would be introduced to judicial organs, he promised.

hg/mud

Visits: 1