NGO accused of embezzling funds

Sources claim Human Appeal conducted fake operations in Battagaram

BATTAGRAM:

Human Appeal, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) working in collaboration with UNICEF in Battagram, has come under scrutiny following allegations of embezzling millions of rupees.

The accusations include conducting fake operations in sanitation initiatives, misappropriating the honorarium of CRP (Community Resource Persons) workers, and distributing water filtration pumps selectively. According to sources, promises to provide clean water wells also remain unfulfilled.

Sources revealed that Human Appeal formed local committees to address cleaning, open defecation, and water sanitation issues across various village councils (VCs) in Battagram. CRP workers were recruited, but their involvement seems to have been limited to verbal commitments made during meetings. Beyond wall chalking in a few locations, the NGO's tangible efforts appear to be minimal.

Sources indicate that UNICEF allocated Rs17 million to Human Appeal for this project. While a significant portion of these funds covered salaries and office rents, the remaining amount intended for community welfare allegedly fell victim to corruption. The local community has voiced concerns, claiming that despite the formation of committees and the NGO's promises of village cleaning, water treatment plants, and clean water wells, none of these commitments have been realised.

With the project nearing its end, reports suggest that Human Appeal officials are attempting to conceal the extent of the alleged corruption by seeking fake clean chits. The NGO is reportedly deceiving locals with false promises to obtain their signatures on declaration forms, aiming to cover up the misappropriation. In some VCs, committee members have rejected these forms and voiced their objections.

The situation has sparked widespread protests across the district, with local committees demanding action against Human Appeal. The affected communities are urging authorities to investigate the NGO's operations and address the corruption allegations. Projects of various NGOs in Battagram face serious accusations of fund embezzlement and unfulfilled promises.