BY THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER
Arusha Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Amos Makalla, has warned public officials against using investigations by the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) as an excuse to delay the implementation of development projects in the region.
Mr Makalla said anti-corruption oversight should strengthen accountability without bringing legitimate public works to a standstill. He urged government institutions, councils and project managers to cooperate with the anti-corruption agency and respond promptly to issues raised during inspections.
He told a meeting of government officials last week that some people had developed a tendency to claim that “PCCB is following up” on projects as justification for slowing down implementation, a practice he said could create unnecessary resentment towards the anti-corruption agency.
Mr Makalla also warned officials and inspectors against engaging in corruption, including accepting gifts or favours that could compromise their independence. He stressed that public resources must be protected and projects completed to the required standards.
PCCB Arusha Regional Bureau Chief (RBC), Ms Zawadi Ngailo, told the same meeting that the Bureau had monitored 164 development programmes and projects worth Sh 469.92 billion over three financial years.
According to PCCB, shortcomings were identified in 109 projects, resulting in 452 recommendations. The agency cited delays, weak supervision, possible resource leakages and inadequate stakeholder participation among the issues affecting implementation and value for money.
Officials were urged to act promptly on the recommendations.
