Cambodia Resumes Spending World Bank Funds Despite Corruption Allegations in Several Projects
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) -- Cambodia on Saturday resumed disbursement of millions of dollars (euros) in World Bank funds, despite the development organization's allegations of corruption in several projects being financed.
In a statement read on the state-run television TVK Saturday, the Finance Ministry said its decision was prompted by the World Bank's failure to produce any proof to support the charges and concerns that suspending funds "would directly affect implementation of the projects and other reforms undertaken by the government."
On Monday, the World Bank said it had found misuse of funds and irregularities in seven projects it had investigated -- four current projects and three that had been completed.
"Problems were found in certain contracts in each of the projects," the World Bank said in a statement posted on its Web site. The statement gave no further details about the corruption allegations.
When reached Saturday, a World Bank official declined to comment on the government's release of funds.
After informing the government about the alleged irregularities. Finance Minister Keat Chhon suspended disbursement of funds for three projects worth more than US$64 million (euro50 million) and implemented by three Cambodian ministries.
Cambodia, one of the world's poorest countries, relies heavily on foreign aid. Donors have roundly criticized the government for failing to tackle chronic corruption.
Last year, the government was forced to repay the World Bank US$2.8 million (euro2.2 million) that was allegedly misused in a project to help Cambodia demobilize its military.
In a statement read on the state-run television TVK Saturday, the Finance Ministry said its decision was prompted by the World Bank's failure to produce any proof to support the charges and concerns that suspending funds "would directly affect implementation of the projects and other reforms undertaken by the government."
On Monday, the World Bank said it had found misuse of funds and irregularities in seven projects it had investigated -- four current projects and three that had been completed.
"Problems were found in certain contracts in each of the projects," the World Bank said in a statement posted on its Web site. The statement gave no further details about the corruption allegations.
When reached Saturday, a World Bank official declined to comment on the government's release of funds.
After informing the government about the alleged irregularities. Finance Minister Keat Chhon suspended disbursement of funds for three projects worth more than US$64 million (euro50 million) and implemented by three Cambodian ministries.
Cambodia, one of the world's poorest countries, relies heavily on foreign aid. Donors have roundly criticized the government for failing to tackle chronic corruption.
Last year, the government was forced to repay the World Bank US$2.8 million (euro2.2 million) that was allegedly misused in a project to help Cambodia demobilize its military.
No comments:
Post a Comment