IRAQ: Smuggled oil hampering reconstruction [View All]

BAGHDAD, 25 December (IRIN) - Hundreds of health, education and infrastructure projects have been delayed because of corruption and the smuggling of oil, according to officials in the Ministry of Reconstruction.

"Hundreds of projects are being highly affected by corruption, especially in the oil sector. Education and health projects are the most affected as hundreds of schools need to be repaired and hospitals are hit by shortages of equipment and medicines. All this is a result of insecurity and also of increasing corruption in the oil sector," said Hassan Barakat, a media officer at the Ministry of Reconstruction.

Huda Hassan, director at al-Sadr Primary and Secondary School, said his school is an example of what could be done if corruption was stamped out.

"Our school needs urgent repairs. It lacks water and working washrooms. In addition, some classes had to be closed because the ceilings are failing," Huda said.

"We have asked the Ministry of Reconstruction to take urgent action on this and the only answer we've got all year was that there was no money to invest because of corruption in the oil sector, which is the main source of income in the country's reconstruction drive," she added.

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