Arusha PCCB Chief urges residents to elect ethical leaders
ARUSHA: ARUSHA Regional Chief of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), Zawadi Ngailo, has called on residents to actively engage in the upcoming local government elections by choosing ethical leaders, who can drive meaningful development in the community.
Ms Ngailo made this statement during the bureau’s announcement of its latest success in addressing corruption-related grievances from farmers in Maroroni Village, Nduruma Ward.
The announcement is part of PCCB’s ongoing campaign, ‘Preventing Corruption is Your and My Responsibility: Let’s Fulfill Our Duty,’ which seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of preventing corruption.
The campaign’s message is being shared through public meetings, seminars and radio programmes, with a particular focus on the election period.
Discussing the bureau’s intervention in Maroroni, Ms Ngailo explained that local farmers had reported irregularities in the management of a local irrigation scheme that serves over 400 members.
Investigations revealed that, despite paying the mandatory membership fee of 80,000/- per season, one farmer was unlawfully asked to pay an additional 40,000/-. “PCCB conducted a sting operation, which led to the arrest and prosecution of two water distributors,” Ms Ngailo said.
“The suspects confessed in court and were sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of 1m/- each, which they paid. They were relieved of their positions and new water distributors have since been appointed.”
Between July and September 2024, PCCB Arusha monitored 28 development projects across various sectors, including construction, water, health and education.
These projects, valued at over 32.1bn/-, were scrutinised for potential corruption risks. By September, 36 of the 63 recommendations issued by the bureau had been implemented, with ongoing follow-ups to ensure public funds are being used effectively and transparently.
ALSO READ: CHADEMA touts transparency in elections
During the same period, PCCB also analysed four public and private sector systems to identify vulnerabilities to corruption.
Two stakeholder workshops were held, producing actionable resolutions. Thirteen wards participated in these initiatives, raising 49 grievances, of which 25 have been resolved and 24 are still under review.
The bureau also intensified its public education efforts, conducting 47 seminars, establishing 58 anti-corruption clubs, organising 41 public meetings and engaging the community through seven radio programmes.
From July to September, PCCB received 80 complaints, 65 of which involved corruption and are currently under investigation. During this period, 14 cases were filed in court, with two convictions secured, while 11 cases remain ongoing.
Ms Ngailo reaffirmed PCCB’s commitment to combating corruption and urged the public to report any suspicious activities. She also called for continued cooperation with authorities to ensure transparent governance.
