THE Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Rukwa Region is investigating nine projects worth some 836.9 m/- which involved construction of health and education infrastructures.
During the monitoring and investigations, the anti corruption watch dog uncovered inflated charges in procuring building materials, violation of procurement procedures and delayed completion of the projects.
Acting PCCB Rukwa Regional Chief, Mr Thomas Msuta said that the projects involved health and education sectors.
“Between April and June this year, PCCB investigated a total of nine projects worth 836,921,531/- on the value for money.
“Initial investigations revealed that there were inflated charges in procuring building materials, violation of procurement procedures and delayed completion of the projects,” he said.
The projects included construction of a dining room at Kizwite Secondary School in Sumbawanga Municipality worth 100m/-, whose construction committee members were not engaged as required by the government guidelines
Other projects on the list are construction of a hostel at Mazwi Secondary Schools in Sumbawanga Municipality valued at 120m/-which has been implemented below standard.
” Shortfalls were uncovered on various projects, including the construction of three classrooms at Ntendo B in Sumbawanga Municipality worth 31.2m/- and construction of four classrooms at Myunga Primary School valued at 106m/- which is also substandard,” added the PCCB regional boss.
Mr Msuta explained that during the period, PCCB recorded 61 complaints, of which 17 complaints did not relate to corruption while 44 cases are related to corruption.
“The investigation of the 44 cases is underway,” added Mr Msuta.
He further explained that during the period, four new cases were filed in court while 12 cases are in courts at different levels of hearing.
Mr Msuta urged citizens to closely follow up various development projects which are implemented at their respective areas if they are to realise value for money.
“I’m urging citizens to report to PCCB any incident related to misappropriation of funds or construction materials on the projects,” he said.
