Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Minister of State in the President’s Office, Public Management and Good Governance, Mohamed Mchengerwa, has ordered the suspension of Tanzania Rural and Urban Road Agency (TARURA) chief procurement officer over alleged embezzlement of project funds.
The minister announcedthe decision on Sunday, directing the Prevention and Combating Corruption Bureau (PCCB) to investigate all procurement contracts and take legal actions after finding out any embezzlement.
“I direct the Director General of the PCCB to go to TARURA and go through all contracts thoroughly and takelegal action against all officers involved in embezzlement practices that hold back the nation from prospering,” Mr Mchengerwa said.
“While investigations continue, the Chief Procurement Officer must report to the President’s Office, Public Management and Good Governance, on Monday (today) and his position be held by another officer,” Mr Mchengerwa directed while on a working tour in Kagera region.
During his tour of the northwestern region, Mr Mchengerwa emphasized on accountability among civil servants. The minister explained thatthe decision to suspend the chief procurement officer followed reports of various flawed contracts the agency signed that led to reviews, something which was against procedures.
The minister said the nation must take tough decisions whenever necessary in order to realize its development goals and for the benefit of her citizens. Mchengerwa noted that development projects are meant to open up economic opportunities and push the country’s development agenda and that the government would not allow a few unscrupulous individuals to siphon public funds for personal gains.
The minister called upon Tanzanians to support President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts by fighting evil acts that deter the country’s development.
Mr Mchengerwa also insisted that public servants have no reasons to engage in embezzlement and corruption since the president has demonstrated her commitment to taking care of workers’ welfare. In his one-day visit to the region, the minister also had the opportunity to speak with employees of the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) and inspect projects undertaken by the Fund.
Prior to visiting Kagera region, Mr Mchengerwa visited Geita region where he issued a two-week ultimatum to public servants in Geita District Council to reside near the offices of the district council. His directive came after noticing that many employees of the district council are residing in Geita town, 53 kilometres from the council.
“Fortunately, I have many sources of information. In two weeks, I want to see employees live near the council’s offices. Any civil servant who cannot live within the district council should look for another job,” he stated.
He also directed the TASAF staff to cooperate with the office of the director of the district council in conducting review and coordinating the exercise of selecting people to benefit from the TASAF projects.
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