Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) has called for transparent procurement processes in government to curb the abuse of public funds, NewsDay Zimbabwe reports.
In a statement this Monday to commemorate Africa Anti-Corruption Day, running under the theme Strategies and Mechanisms for the Transparent Management of COVID-19 Funds, TIZ said all those who abused COVID-19 funds must be prosecuted and all stolen resources recovered.
Auditor-General Mildred Chiri recently released a report which exposed government ministries, agencies and departments for failing to account for $89 022 103 COVID-19 allowances meant for vulnerable communities. Read Chiri’s report:
The audit could not confirm whether the allowances had reached all the intended beneficiaries as reconciliation and confirmation reports were not prepared.
TIZ enjoins African states to address corruption in the delivery of basic services especially housing, water, sanitation, education, health, humanitarian responses and judicial systems. Corruption in basic service delivery tends to mostly affect the poorest of citizens who depend on these public services, and particularly disadvantages persons living with disabilities, women and children.
If corruption is not addressed urgently, it will block efforts to rebuild after the devastating pandemic and the region’s hopes of charting a path to a stronger future. Fairly and transparently managing large-scale COVID-19 recovery should be prioritised.
African Parliamentarians Network against Corruption Zimbabwe chapter chairperson Temba Mliswa said the findings by the Public Accounts Committee on corruption pertaining to the use of the COVID-19 funds were disturbing.
He also said the Office of the President and Cabinet should be monitoring the use of funds adding, “Somebody is sleeping on duty.”
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