The government has instructed the Prevention and Combating of Corruption (PCCB) to inspect development projects being implemented by local government authorities (LGAs) in an effort to control embezzlement of funds and substandard projects.
The directive was issued by the Minister of State in the President’s Office, Good Government and Public Service Management, Angela Kairuki, in the National Assembly on Thursday evening.
She argued that a number of projects were being carried out at the council level, thus they were now directing their efforts to such areas to make sure that no public funds fell in the wrong hands.
Winding up ministerial contribution to President John Magufuli’s inaugural speech of the National Assembly, she said the anti-corruption watchdog with regional offices across the country should work closely now with the regional administration and local government.
“We are currently working on plans to team up with TAMISEMI and agencies to control misappropriation of public funds earmarked for various development projects,” she said.
She reminded the House that a big percentage of the country’s projects was carried out at the council level, calling on the legislators to remain observant to ensure that the funds were adequately used.
She said the government had managed to save billions of money since it started engaging PCCB in overseeing such projects. The minister reiterated that no stone would be left unturned in the crusade against corruption in public offices.
She announced zero-tolerance to corrupt officials in public offices, insisting that every public servant proved to have engaged in corrupt practices, without considering their status, would instantly pay the price.
“It is the fifth government’s resolve to eradicate corruption at all levels, especially in contracts and projects undertaken at all levels,” she stated, adding that anyone involved in corruption would not be spared.
Kairuki also advised public servants to uphold professionalism and the code of conduct, insisting that the government would not hesitate to take disciplinary and legal action against any irresponsible civil servant.
The minister further said that the government planned to hire more health professionals and teachers in the next financial year to bridge the current shortage of the two cadres.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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