PCCB uncovers massive revenue losses at Msamvu Bus Terminal
MOROGORO – THE Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Morogoro Region has uncovered significant revenue losses related to services at Msamvu Bus Terminal for upcountry buses.
The Deputy Regional Head of PCCB, Mr Christopher Mwakajinga, revealed this when presenting a performance report covering three months from October to December last year.
Mr Mwakajinga said that a revenue collection audit was conducted at Msamvu Bus Terminal over three consecutive days, operating 24 hours daily, from December 12 to December 15, 2024.
“During this period, a total of 18.083m/- was collected, with December 12 generating 5.6m/-, December 13 collecting 6.4m/- and December 14 bringing in 5.9m/-.
“An analysis of the December 2024 revenue collection indicates that the three days recorded the highest revenue for the month,” he explained.
He further elucidated that the audit exposed loopholes that facilitate revenue loss in the services provided at the terminal. Mr Mwakajinga said that if left unchecked, the gaps would continue to benefit a few unscrupulous individuals at the expense of public funds.
He said that the identified loopholes include tax collectors failing to issue receipts to some passengers and reusing previously issued receipts.
Additionally, some collectors cited a lack of change as a reason for not issuing receipts and there was a discrepancy between the number of receipt rolls issued and the expected daily revenue collection.
To redress the situation, the PCCB in Morogoro has resolved to implement continuous revenue tracking at all local sources, including Msamvu Bus Terminal.
PCCB, in collaboration with the Morogoro Municipality, is currently working on the audit findings to identify all individuals involved in the revenue mismanagement chain for legal action. “I urge all councils within Morogoro Region to supervise revenue collection as required properly,” Mr Mwakajinga emphasised.
The Deputy PCCB Head also reminded all passengers using Msamvu Bus Terminal to demand receipts for the services they receive. Meanwhile, some travellers and members of the public interviewed about the revenue loss urged the government to plug all loopholes of misappropriation, insisting that the culprits were well known.
Ms Nyamizi Nassoro, one of the passengers, claimed that some individuals entered the terminal without paying fees, even though they were not traders operating at the station. “I was given a receipt upon entry, but others walked in without paying or showing any receipt.
The government must ensure fair revenue collection,” said Ms Nassoro. Similarly, Mr Salmin Said suggested that the government should regularly rotate tax collectors to prevent long-term familiarity and the formation of corrupt networks.
Mr Said alleged that many collectors at Msamvu Bus Terminal had held their positions for an extended period, allowing them to develop a system of misappropriating revenue.
