PCCB scrutinizes 16bn/- projects, recovers over 32m/- in Dodoma

DODOMA: THE Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Dodoma has scrutinized projects worth 16bn/- and recovered 32.7m/- that had been illegally obtained by works committee members through alleged forgery.

Presenting the April–June quarterly performance report to reporters in the capital city, the PCCB’s Dodoma Regional Bureau Chief, Mr Christopher Myava, said that signatures were forged in the minutes of committee meetings, enabling payments to be made to a supplier of materials and a construction technician without following force-account guidelines.

He explained that the materials were intended for the Kizota–Zuzu (SGR station) road project, valued at 70.2m/-.

“An investigation has been launched to verify the shortcomings identified in that follow-up, and appropriate measures will be taken against those responsible. This will serve as a lesson to others overseeing the implementation of development projects, as the government invests substantial funds in such projects,” he said.

Mr Myava further stated that the bureau had tracked the use of funds in 19 other projects in the education, health, construction, and finance sectors worth a total of 16bn/-.

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He also noted that under the “TAKUKURU-Rafiki” initiative, 15 meetings were held in 15 wards, during which citizens raised 184 grievances. After feedback sessions, 180 of these were resolved, while four are still being addressed.

On another front, the PCCB official revealed that the government has been losing revenue in the Dodoma City Council due to tax collectors’ delays in reporting at the Msalato auction, which disrupts the collection of slaughterhouse levies in the area.

According to Mr Myava, some tax collectors at the auction have developed a habit of colluding with traders, enabling others to evade paying levies. He added that this challenge has resulted in significant losses to the government due to the negligence of tax collectors.