Committee to reduce corruption—Escom

Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has said the introduction of the Institutional Integrity Committee will reduce corruption at the institution and clean its image. Board chairperson Morgan Tembo said this in Blantyre on Friday during its launch.

He warned that serious action would be taken to those found engaging in corruption. Said Tembo: “To underline our commitment as the board, we pledge to hold management accountable, not only through termination or dismissal of corrupt officers,

but also through legal actions aimed at recovering misappropriated resources when there is a loss of the corporation’s funds and other resources. “Escom’s reputation has been tarnished over the years and it is upon us to put an end to this trend.”

Chief executive officer representative Chrispin Banda said data reveals that many past scandals were procurement related. However, he said things have significantly changed as customers have been burdened with costs associated with fault clearing. Banda told the gathering that management would take seriously cases of fraud and corruption by acting on perpetrators.

He also reminded the people about the existence of tip-off anonymous calls which, he urged, they should use to alert Escom about any corruption activity. Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) deputy director Hillary Chilomba called on Escom to support the committee. He noted that management could frustrate its activities by financially stifling it.

Asked how ACB can spearhead corruption fight when Malawians regard it as toothless, Chilomba said it is just the opinion of some people. Government directed the establishment of Institutional Integrity Committees within ministries, departments and agencies aimed at bolstering the fight against corruption while promoting integrity, transparency and accountability