Govt reiterates commitment to zero-tolerance policy towards corruption in Western Province

The government has issued a stern warning and will closely monitor Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects in Western Province to ensure accountability and hold wrongdoers accountable.

Speaking during a five-day orientation training for principal officers and members of the secretariat for local authority integrity committees from all 16 districts in the province, Western Province Permanent Secretary, Simomo Akapelwa, urged council principal officers to uphold government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and to prevent maladministration in local authorities.

Akapelwa underscored the importance of accelerating the formation of integrity committees in both public and private institutions, citing a 2022 circular from the Cabinet office that mandated the establishment of such committees by January 31, 2023.

“Corruption encompasses outright theft or misuse of public resources, as well as deliberate non-compliance with official guidelines and systems, including nepotism and tribalism,” Akapelwa said.

He said integrity committees played a crucial role in eradicating corrupt practices and promoting international best practices in corporate governance, ultimately enhancing service delivery to citizens.

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Addressing the increased CDF allocation from K1.6 million in 2021 to K 30.6 million in the 2024 budget, Akapelwa urged principal officers to discharge their responsibilities prudently and take a keen interest in project implementation to combat corruption and maladministration.

Furthermore, Akapelwa extended the call for accountability to all government resources, emphasising that funds meant for public welfare should never be misappropriated for personal gain.

Gift Chibelenga, Regional Manager of the Western Province Anti-Corruption Commission, echoed the importance of integrity committees in combating corruption, stressing that corruption undermined trust, hampered development and perpetuated inequality.

“Public servants have a duty to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” Chibelenga said.

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