PCCB to supervise development projects

CHRISTOPHER MAJALIWA in Dodoma

PREVENTION and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) zonal offices have been directed to properly supervise development projects implemented at council levels to check corruption.

The move is meant to control embezzlement and substandard projects, State Minister in the President’s Office--Good Governance and Public Service Management Miss Angela Kariuki has said.

She pointed out that a number of projects were being carried out at council’s level, thus they were now directing their efforts in such areas to make sure that no public funds fall in wrong hands.

Contributing to President John Magufuli’s parliament inaugural speech, Ms Kairuki said that the anti-corruption body was now closely working with the Regional Administration and Local Government, TAMISEMI. “We are teaming up with TAMISEMI to control misappropriation of public funds directed to implement various development projects.

You are aware that a big percentage of the country’s project is carried out at councils’ level, we thus have to be observant and ensure that public funds are properly spent,” she told the House.

She said that the government has managed to save billions of shillings since it started engaging PCCB in overseeing such projects.

The minister also reiterated that no stone will be left unturned in the crusade against corruption in public offices. She announced zero tolerance on corrupt officials in public offices, insisting that every public servant proved to have engaged in corrupt practices without considering his or her status will instantly pay the price.

“We are not going to consider your title, political or social status. PCCB officials are working tirelessly to bring to light all corruption related cases and immediately work on them,” she noted.

Ms Kariuki also advised public servants to uphold professionalism and code of conducts, insisting that the government won’t hesitate to institute disciplinary and legal action against any irresponsible civil servant.

The minister further pledged that the government has planned to hire more health professionals and teachers in the next financial year and bridge the current shortage to a large extent.