Kunduz governance slow as acting heads reign

KUNDUZ (Pajhwok): Running government departments by acting heads has slowed down governance related affairs in northern Kunduz province, local officials say.

Based on information received by Pajhwok Afghan News, Kunduz departments headed by acting officials include the deputy governor, customs, telecommunications, agriculture and commerce.

Ghulam Rabbani Rabbani, a member of the provincial council, said work affairs at more than 10 departments controlled by acting heads had deteriorated.

“This policy no longer works and has not good consequences, the government must take serious steps and end the culture of acting-heads,” he said.

Amiruddin Wali, another public representative, said the issue had rendered the youth jobless and compelled to swell militant ranks.

Shafiqullah, a resident, said most of the acting-heads in Kunduz were not eligible for the posts they held.

He said educated youth should be replaced with unqualified and incompetent officials and this way the youngsters would not join anti-government forces.

Sayed Nisar, a youth, expressed similar views and urged the national unity government to take serious steps towards governance reforms in Kunduz.

An official at the education department, who did not want to be named, said no progress had been made over the past two years since the acting head took over.

““During these two years, a director should have been introduced. We urge the government to take the issue into account.”

Governor Omarkhel confirmed the issue and said the government should hire eligible people to key posts in order to address governance related challenges.

Kunduz is not the only province where acting heads exist, there are several provinces having the same issue. About 15 ministries are being run by acting ministers currently.

sa/ma

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