Afghan companies say they aren`t being paid

A US watchdog agency is pressing defence and diplomatic leaders to work more aggressively to ensure that Afghan subcontractors are paid promptly.

Washington: A US watchdog agency is pressing defence and diplomatic leaders to work more aggressively to ensure that contractors in Afghanistan pay their Afghan subcontractors promptly.

Hundreds of complaints suggest nearly USD 70 million could be owed to local firms. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction says it has received 753 complaints since October 2012, and opened 52 investigations over non-payment issues. And other federal agencies reported earlier this year they have gotten 44 similar complaints in the past six years. Afghan companies complain this persistent problem has prevented them from bidding on other jobs and impeded their abilities to pay workers, who are often poor and need the money to buy necessities for their families. PTI