Kikwete advocates use of e-govt in combating graft

By Correspondent

President Jakaya Kikwete

President Jakaya Kikawete has said that African countries need to adopt an alternative approach including the use of e-government to fight corruption which is increasingly becoming a challenge to many countries.

 

Speaking on Monday at the South African Forum Against Corruption (SAFAC) meeting held here, he said there is a need for SADC member countries to share intelligence information if the war against corruption is to be won.

 

“The problem of corruption is growing and seems inevitable, but if we opt to use e-government networks in our countries we can curb it,” he said.

 

President Kikwete said his government will not tolerate corrupt civil servants, assuring that stern measures will be taken against those tainting the reputation of the government as well as of civil service though corruption. 

 

He said his government will not rest until the problem of corruption is eradicated because it denies the poor their rights.

Earlier, Director of Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), Dr Edward Hoseah said he had asked the government to build a college to train anti corruption experts to help fight the vice.

 

Dr Hoseah said currently the bureau is investigating allegations of embezzlement of public funds leveled against the Mwanza city authority.

 

SAFAC comprise 14 countries, although only nine countries - Tanzania, Zambia, Mauritius, Malawi, Lesotho, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and the DRC attended the meeting.

South Africa, Angola, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Sychelles were not in attendance