KABUL - The Integrity Watch Afghanistan (IWA) said on Saturday rebels and unauthorised individuals continued to exploit the country’s natural resources, but no meaningful steps had been taken to protect such sites, involving huge funds.

Earlier in the week, a report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan’s Reconstruction (SIGAR) revealed $488 million investment in Afghanistan’s mining sector did not prove to be effective and there were still chances of the country’s riches being misused.

Syed Akram Afzali, the executive director of IWA told reporters despite the spending of huge funds on the country’s mining sector, satisfactory result could not be achieved. The funds and sites were still being exploited in callous ways, he regretted.

Lack of coordination and planning were the main reasons behind irregularities and embezzlement, Afzali noted. The international community injected money into the sector without a proper strategy to get revenue, he said, stressing the need for long-term strategic planning for excavating the natural wealth.

He warned the mining sector, whose revenue was going into the pockets of top government officials, powerful individuals, lawmakers and others, was faced with a serious crisis.The lack of professional workers to excavate mines is also damaging the sector.

“Militants are out to fuel insecurity in areas where natural resources are excavated. They take control of these areas and the revenue line their pockets,” Afzali said, accusing the government of failing to keep its promises to eradicate corruption and amend the mining law. (Pajhwok)