ACB engages duty bearers on corruption

Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general Martha Chizuma has expressed concern with the rise in corruption complaints from Machinga District.

She expressed the sentiments on Monday during a meeting with duty-bearers at Machinga District Council.

Chizuma said the bureau received more corruption complaints from the district in September.

“The complaints include procurement-related fraud, abuse of office on land issues,” she said. 

Chizuma also condemned council authorities who misuse public funds.

“When people are paying tax to the government, they expect public services. So, it is worrisome as they are not able to get the service because the money is misused by few selfish individuals,” she said.

Machinga Likwenu legislator Bright Msaka urged duty-bearers to follow procedures to avoid corruption.

“If duty-bearers follow processes, corruption in councils can be avoided,” he said.

Machinga District Council chairperson Richard Matenje asked duty-bearers to refrain from corruption.

“I pledge to report any corrupt practice at the council to bring perpetrators to book,” he said.

Two months ago, ACB also engaged community members in the district on corruption.

The ACB is conducting a nationwide 20-week awareness campaign on the dangers of the vice.