MPs decry government inaction over ‘corrupt practices’

AMMAN — The Lower House on Tuesday criticised the government for not taking stricter measures to prevent corruption, amid accusations that certain large-scale projects and public sector institutions still suffer from alleged graft practices.

In a session that witnessed government responses to deputies’ questions, MP Hayel Daaja (Amman, 1st District) charged that corruption might be involved in the construction of the northern runway at Queen Alia International Airport.

He threatened that he would take the case to the prosecutor general if the government declines to take the necessary measures to ensure that the runway is operational and to bring those who are involved in this case to justice.

Daaja noted that the airport is working at half capacity as it currently uses only one runway, while the other is still not ready due to difficulties in obtaining relevant international accreditation.

However, Transport Minister Lina Shbeeb said the issue is under investigation and that as soon as the results are ready the ministry will share them with the Lower House.

Also on Tuesday, MP Zakariya Sheikh criticised the chairman of the state-owned Jordan Water Company (Miyahuna), which manages the capital’s water and sewage.

He charged that there was some sort of mismanagement of a tender to paint the insides of 13 water tankers, as the company that implemented the project did not meet the requirements set by the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organisation. 

Sheikh said this mismanagement may have poisoned the water that citizens have already consumed.

He warned that unless proper action is taken by authorities, in particular the water minster, he will take the issue to the judicial authority to investigate further and issue a ruling on those who “play with the lives of Jordanians”.

Minster of Water Hazem Nasser told the deputy that this case has been under investigation and that most of the information cited by the MP was inaccurate.

Meanwhile, at the beginning of the session, Deputy Assaf Shobaky (Amman, 4th District) asked the MPs about their next step if the government ignores their request to expel the Israeli ambassador in Amman.

“Are we ready to propose a new vote of confidence in the government if it does not proceed with our request?” 

Several deputies supported Shobaky point of view, with some trying to provoke the government to comment during Tuesday’s session, but the Cabinet did not respond.