Asset checks aimed at cheating leaders

LUDOVICK KAZOKA

THE government will soon embark on the verification of properties declared by about 500 public leaders before the Ethics Secretariat, a move seeking to authenticate the assets.

Minister of State in the President’s Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance Angella Kairuki said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the exercise will help the government to unearth public leaders who cheated in their declaration.

The minister was speaking at a ceremony to launch the Service Provision Week ahead of the Integrity and Human Rights Day on December 10. Institutions under the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs have co-organised the event.

Ms Kairuki noted further that the government was planning to amend the Anti-Corruption Act of 2007 to have the convicts of corruption cases paying back the amount of funds involved.

“We want the Act which will support our anti graft war...the current legislation does not severely punish the offenders in corruption related cases,” she observed.

Constitution and Legal Affairs Minister Harrison Mwakyembe, who was the guest of honour at the event, urged public and private institutions to join hands with the government in the anti-graft war by embarking on anticorruption campaigns at workplaces.

“It should be noted that embezzlement, corruption and graft have contributed into the prevalence of poverty among majority people, with the minority enjoying,” said the Minister.

The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) Director General, Mr Valentine Mlowola, said the anti-corruption agency has introduced complaint desks at its regional and district offices, inviting members of the public to lodge their complaints.

“Members of the public who are suspicious on any misuse of public funds by public servants can report the matter to the desk,” said the PCCB chief.

Mr Mlowola said the desk introduction at PCCB district and regional offices had raised the level of awareness to members of the public on corruption, however decrying reluctance by majority people to show up before security organs to deliver evidence as a serious challenge.