The watchdog who monitors U.S. spending on reconstruction projects in Afghanistan has recommended that Washington reconsider how much it is spending because of security and corruption concerns.
John Sopko, the special inspector-general for Afghan reconstruction, told the House of Representatives’ Oversight Committee that the U.S. government has approved – but not yet spent – $20 billion for reconstruction projects in Afghanistan.
Sopko said that as U.S. forces begin to withdraw from Afghanistan in the next two years, it will become more difficult for U.S. inspectors to check insecure areas to ensure that reconstruction funds are being spent appropriately.
Sopko has also raised concerns about corruption among Afghan authorities and the capability of the Afghan government to responsibly handle large sums of aid money.
John Sopko, the special inspector-general for Afghan reconstruction, told the House of Representatives’ Oversight Committee that the U.S. government has approved – but not yet spent – $20 billion for reconstruction projects in Afghanistan.
Sopko said that as U.S. forces begin to withdraw from Afghanistan in the next two years, it will become more difficult for U.S. inspectors to check insecure areas to ensure that reconstruction funds are being spent appropriately.
Sopko has also raised concerns about corruption among Afghan authorities and the capability of the Afghan government to responsibly handle large sums of aid money.