KABUL - President Ashraf Ghani on Monday asked owners of construction companies to take the lead in exposing the names of those involved in corruption within the sector.
Owners of some construction companies are also involved in corruption, said Ghani. He called on these business people to cooperate with government to win the war against graft in the country.
Referring to the tax returns by foreign firms operating out of rented houses in Afghanistan, Ghani said unfortunately many of these firms collaborate with the owners of these private homes to evade taxes.
Delivering the keynote speech at the 3rd Afghan National Urban Conference in Kabul on Thursday, Ghani maintained that corruption in the procurement commission had been curbed, adding that the second phase of the war on corruption will soon start at ministries and certain government institutions.
Currently, major construction projects are underway in the country.
"There is no problem in the high level of government. Problems exist in the ministries, we want to enter a new phase of fighting corruption in the ministries after the procurement commission is cleared; officials from construction companies are also involved in corruption, so we need to stand against corruption, so let's expose corrupt people," said Ghani.
Amid controversy over possible corruption within the construction industry, Naeem Yasin, head of the construction companies association has hit out over the timing of tax returns sent to members by the ministry of finance.
"Construction companies must pay their taxes, but these companies are paid by government after nine months delay, but the ministry of finance asks for taxes after three months; if taxes are not paid, they are fined, so the ministry of finance should change the tax collection method," said Naeem Yasin, head of construction companies union.
Ghani criticized foreign firms operating in Afghanistan for evading tax.
"I request our international partners not to get involved in corruption," said Ghani.
Ghani has meanwhile renewed his anti-graft strategy as pressure mounts from the public – especially over the slow pace at which the new anti-corruption justice center is working.
Many believe that the center has not brought anyone to justice or held anyone accountable for their role in corruption. (Tolonews)