PCCB recovers 44.1m/- from substandard projects

RUVUMA: THE Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Ruvuma Region has recovered more than 44.1m/- in public funds after investigations uncovered irregularities in the implementation of development projects in Tunduru and Namtumbo District Councils.

The recovered funds relate to the construction of Majimaji Primary School in Tunduru District and six classrooms at Mageuzi Primary School in Namtumbo District, following investigations into the use of public funds allocated to the projects.

Ruvuma Regional PCCB Commander, Mr Hamza Mwenda, announced the achievement while presenting the institution’s performance for the period between April and September 2026.

“Tunduru District PCCB office recovered more than 38.8m/- that had been paid to contractor Njowele Investment Ltd after the company supplied 227 roofing iron sheets that failed to meet the required quality standards,” he said.

Mr Mwenda further said that PCCB monitored the project in collaboration with the Tunduru District Executive Director’s Office and project supervisors.

“Following the monitoring exercise, resolutions were reached to address the identified shortcomings. Consequently, all 227 substandard roofing sheets were removed and replaced with new ones that met the required quality standards,” Mr Mwenda said.

In Namtumbo District, the institution recovered 5.1m/- that was paid to contractor Bryce General Supply after the company supplied substandard bricks for the construction of six classrooms at Mageuzi Primary School.

Mr Mwenda said PCCB worked with the Namtumbo District Executive Director’s Office to follow up on the matter.

“The exercise resulted in the removal and replacement of the substandard bricks with new ones that met the required standards,” he said.

He said the recovery demonstrated the importance of monitoring public development projects to ensure that contractors fulfilled their obligations and that public funds were used appropriately.

During the same reporting period, PCCB monitored the utilisation of funds allocated to 31 development projects worth 5.7bn/- across the administration, infrastructure, health and education sectors, according to him.

Mr Mwenda further said that the monitoring exercise aimed to establish whether project implementation corresponded with the funds disbursed and whether the quality of work met the required standards.

“The exercise was also intended to promote accountability and ensure value for money in government development projects.

“However, out of the 31 projects monitored, PCCB issued recommendations for corrective measures on shortcomings identified in 12 projects valued at 2.2bn/-,” he said.

On complaints and investigations, Mr Mwenda said the Ruvuma Regional Office received 118 complaints during the six-month period. Of these, 85 were related to corruption, while 33 were not corruption related.

He added that investigations had been initiated into all complaints associated with corruption and were at different stages.

Mr Mwenda said the institution’s priorities for October to December 2026 included continuing public education programmes and engaging citizens and stakeholders in the fight against corruption.

He said the initiatives were aimed at changing public attitudes towards corruption and building a society that rejects corrupt practices.