Chad’s Infrastructure Boom Leaves Citizens Feeling Shortchanged
Despite a surge in infrastructure development, Chadians are still struggling to reap the benefits. The country has seen an unprecedented construction boom in recent years, with new schools, universities, hospitals, prestige buildings for local governors, and roads springing up across the nation.
Unmet Expectations
However, a closer look at these projects reveals that they have had little impact on citizens’ welfare. Many of the facilities are lying empty due to a lack of users and personnel to run them. The intense but uncoordinated construction has also led to a lack of transparency in the award of contracts, fostering corruption and cronyism.
Corruption and Cronyism
According to sources, the government’s Procurement Office and Infrastructure Ministry are perceived as prone to cronyism in the selection of projects and awarding of contracts. Senior regime figures have been accused of benefiting from these opaque arrangements, which has led to over-invoicing and illicit diversion of funds.
Oil Sector Plagued by Corruption
Chad became an oil-producing nation in 2003, but a law passed in 2000 aimed at ensuring that oil revenues were used to fight poverty was eventually amended to allow the president to allocate resources to war efforts and buy weapons. This led to the collapse of transparency mechanisms and the misuse of funds.
Widespread Abuses
An investigation conducted by the World Bank uncovered widespread abuses, including shoddy construction work and overpriced purchases. The bank ultimately pulled out of the project in 2008 due to Chad’s failure to comply with key requirements.
Consequences of Corruption
The lack of transparency in contract awarding has also led to the development of patronage structures and extended government control over different sectors of society. As a result, oil revenues are largely seen as having contributed to:
- Fuel wars and rebellions
- Increased corruption and cronyism
- Deteriorated governance system
A Call for Reform
Experts say that reform is needed to address these issues and ensure that Chadians can finally benefit from their nation’s natural resources. “It’s time for the government to prioritize transparency and accountability in its infrastructure projects,” said a local analyst. “The people of Chad deserve better than empty buildings and corrupt practices.”
Citizens’ Expectations
In the meantime, citizens continue to struggle with inadequate infrastructure and poor governance. As one resident put it, “We need more than just buildings and roads. We need real change that will improve our lives.”