‘Make information of development projects public’
MWANZA: LOCAL government authorities have been urged to publicly disclose information about development projects to enable citizens to monitor public spending, strengthen accountability and help curb corruption.
Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) Director General Crispin Chalamila made the call this week in Kwimba District, Mwanza Region, during the inauguration of the bureau’s new district office, constructed at 429m/-, 12m/- above the initially planned budget.
Mr Chalamila said residents needed reliable information about approved projects, allocated funds, implementation schedules and expected standards to enable them to hold responsible authorities accountable.
“This building belongs to you, the residents of Kwimba District, including those who have joined us today and those who could not attend. Use it to report acts of corruption, embezzlement of public funds, economic sabotage and other wrongdoing,” he said.
He stressed that public participation in monitoring development projects would help identify irregularities, prevent misuse of resources and ensure projects were completed on time and met the required quality standards.
Mr Chalamila urged councils to establish effective mechanisms for sharing project information with residents, saying transparency was essential to ensuring value for money and strengthening public confidence in local government institutions.
He said government investment in PCCB offices demonstrated the commitment of the sixth-phase administration, led by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, to strengthen the fight against corruption and protecting public resources.
The new office, he added, would improve access to the bureau’s services and provide residents with a place to report suspected corruption for appropriate action.
He encouraged people unable to visit PCCB offices to use alternative reporting channels, including the toll-free telephone number 113.
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“The number is provided free of charge and citizens should use it to report acts of corruption,” he said. Mr Chalamila said effective corruption prevention required cooperation among regional leaders, councils and residents.
He also called for stronger controls over local government revenue collection to close loopholes, increase revenue and support development programmes.
Meanwhile, Mwanza Regional PCCB head, Engineer Abnery Mganga said the new premises would improve staff working conditions, efficiency and service delivery.
He explained that operating from rented premises had presented challenges, including inadequate communication infrastructure and recurring renovation expenses, which affected the bureau’s operations.
“On behalf of PCCB staff in Kwimba District, we express our gratitude for the completion of this office, which will enable us to perform our duties with greater independence and improve our productivity,” he said.
Engineer Mganga added that the premises would strengthen communication with residents and encourage greater public participation in fighting corruption.
