RECENTLY, Prime Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa, while on a working tour in Tabora region, was left flabbergasted upon learning that a tiny guardroom cost around 11m/-.
The Premier, vividly dismayed by what he witnessed, ordered the arrest of officials involved in the dubious work and reminded authorities at all levels to properly handle public funds, which are essential for carrying out numerous development projects.
He emphasized that the government will not accept any governmental official misusing taxpayer money.
On this evidence, it is clear that measures aimed at curbing corruption, fraud and embezzlement of public financial resources in public offices, especially the Local Government Authorities (LGAs) are yet to bear the expected results.
It is sickening and very discomforting to read stories and reports about persistent siphoning of project funds across the country.
Whenever leaders go on inspection tours of various development projects undertaken across the country come against a sad reality of unabated financial malpractices.
Every year, Controller and Audit General reports expose grave mismanagement of public money, especially the funds meant to finance development projects and essential social services.
Despite regular measures by the government and its organs to tame corruption, fraud and embezzlement, fraudulent practices remain rampant, posing major development challenges to the country.
The huge sums of money lost to fraud, corruption, embezzlement, and fictitious payment undermine efforts to ensure the country attain sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development.
Thus, anti-poverty initiatives, healthcare, education and other essential social services are all negatively impacted by theft of public funds.
We call upon responsible organs, especially, the corruption watchdogs to intensify the fight against those indulging in the vices. The authorities must continuously take stern measures through civil and criminal proceedings against unscrupulous individuals.
But again, combating corruption in public office is everyone’s fight. For the war to be won, every citizen should take an active role and hold the perpetrators responsible.
Significantly, public sector employees are well placed to spearhead the fight against financial malpractices and have an obligation to report corruption practices and hold responsible their fellows who fail to act in the best interest of the country.
