20 April, 2009

Somaliland: Law Makers Enquire About Eastern Regions Fund

Harageysa (Somaliland Globe) Approximately about thirthy plus members of of Somaliland's house of parliament and Guurti whose roots are from the eastern regions of Somaliland, Sool, Sanaag and Buhodle, have held a press conference yesterday in Hargeysa.  The members who were led by the deputy speaker of  Somaliland Parliament Mr Bashe Farah requested that the government produce written records and verifiable accounts about its spending of the rebuilding projects in the easter regions.

 After Somaliland forces entered Lasanod, capital of Sool region, and ousted the puntland militia which ruled that regions for five years, the government promised to rebuilt and invest in the region.  Accordingly it has imposed a two percent tax on law makers and businesses specifically for the development and regeneration of the eastern regions.  However as of yet three years after the start of this scheme, no development has taken place in the eastern regions.

 The lawmakers alleged in their press conference that the government and in particular the President has put the money in personal accounts.  They have complained about extensive corruption in the highest government offices, mainly in the ministry of finance and presidency.

 There were no comments from the government side and the speaker for the speaker whom we asked to comment on this story refused.


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