PCCB takes antigraft lessons to schools
ARUSHA: THE Director General of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), Mr Crispin Chalamila, has said lessons on patriotism, integrity, justice, ethics and rejection of bribery have been incorporated into primary, secondary and vocational education to promote responsible conduct in public and private institutions.
He made the remarks yesterday in Karatu District, Arusha Region, before inaugurating PCCB’s new district offices, constructed at a cost of 405.9m/- against the initial budget of 421.5m/-, leaving a saving of 15m/-.
The event was attended by various government and Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) leaders. Mr Chalamila said anti-corruption education, alongside lessons on patriotism, justice, integrity and ethics, should begin at lower education levels so that children understand the importance of rejecting bribery and performing their duties in accordance with established government principles.
He said introducing such education from primary school through vocational colleges would help build a future generation of patriotic citizens committed to fighting corruption and upholding ethical standards in their respective responsibilities.
The Director General said PCCB continues to promote the establishment of anti-corruption clubs in schools, colleges, religious institutions and various community groups to strengthen the fight against corruption and promote patriotism in daily activities.
He said the clubs across the country continue to educate communities, with the initiative recording encouraging progress, urging the public to support PCCB’s efforts towards achieving its goals by 2031.
Speaking about the Karatu office project, which cost 405.9m/- against the initial budget of 421.5m/-, Mr Chalamila said the project demonstrated value for money.
He commended those involved for returning the 15m/- savings, saying the gesture reflected patriotism, honesty and integrity.
ALSO READ: PCCB lauds support for office expansion
He emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability and value for money in implementing development projects, saying PCCB had set an example through the construction of its offices and urged local government authorities to emulate the practice.
He further called on councils across the country to display information about development projects on public noticeboards to enable citizens to monitor implementation and assess whether value for money is being achieved.
Karatu District Commissioner, Lameck Karanga, said PCCB had operated without its own offices in the district since its establishment, relying instead on rented private premises. He commended the bureau’s leadership for ensuring the construction of the new offices.
Arusha Regional PCCB Commander, Zawadi Ngailo, said construction of the offices started in February this year and was completed in August, within the planned period and in accordance with procurement procedures, at a cost of 405m/-.
