PM vows action on graft

MANYONI: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba yesterday vowed to take decisive action against corrupt public officials, fraudsters and thieves, warning that anyone found misusing public funds will face both legal and disciplinary measures.

Speaking at a public rally held at Tambukareli grounds in Manyoni District, Singida Region, as part of his ongoing working tour, Dr Nchemba cited an alleged embezzlement scandal involving more than 501m/- at the Manyoni District Council.

According to reports presented to him, over 213m/- was allegedly withdrawn from a district development account, while more than 259m/- was taken from a deposit account. Another chunk of money amounting to 42m/- was withdrawn from the district’s internal revenue account.

The funds had been earmarked for key development projects, including construction of an administration building, completion of the District Executive Director’s residence and other government facilities.

Dr Nchemba ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of all officials implicated in the alleged theft, including those who have since been transferred to other regions.

He also directed the Prime Minister’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) to suspend the officers involved and ensure disciplinary proceedings commence without delay. “

The money must be recovered. Administrative and disciplinary measures should continue, but government funds must be returned. We cannot tolerate such behaviour. Those who fail to read the signs of the times will face the axe,” he said.

The Premier commended the Singida Regional Commissioner and his team for uncovering the alleged fraud and taking prompt action, describing their efforts as a reflection of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to accountability and good governance.

He also praised the Manyoni District Executive Director for exposing the alleged scheme and refusing to participate in or conceal it.

Dr Nchemba said his firm stance against corruption is driven by a commitment to protecting ordinary citizens and ensuring public resources are used for their intended purpose.

“I do not hate people, but I hate laziness, negligence, theft and the oppression of the poor. Public resources must benefit the people they are intended to serve,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the loss of public funds directly affects ordinary Tanzanians, particularly women and small-scale traders who depend on government programmes and services to improve their livelihoods.

“While some mothers struggle to feed their children and small traders search for capital to expand their businesses, there are people entrusted with public resources who choose to steal from the government,” he said.

Dr Nchemba stressed that the government has been working to reduce unnecessary expenditure so that more resources can be channelled towards essential services, including healthcare, education and development projects.

He said it is unacceptable for public servants who have benefited from taxpayer-funded education and employment opportunities to betray the trust of citizens by stealing public resources.

ALSO READ: PM sees good progress in 28bn/- Water Project in Manyoni which is 80 percent complete

“People are employed, trusted and educated through taxpayers’ money. Tanzanians work hard and pay taxes through great sacrifice. It is wrong for someone who has been given such an opportunity to steal from the very people who made that success possible,” he said.

While in the region, Dr Nchemba inspected the Cashew Value Chain Project through the CAMARTEC Cashew Nut Processing Training Factory (KIDAKUKO) at Masigati, Manyoni District.

The factory is capable of processing between 1.36 and 2.72 tonnes of cashew nuts per day, depending on production levels and the experience of processors.

The Prime Minister also inspected progress on the 28bn/- Manyoni Town Water Supply Improvement Project, which is expected to benefit more than 64,667 residents.

The project has reached 80 per cent completion and is scheduled for completion by August 10 this year.

It involves drilling water wells, constructing a pumping station, installing a twomillion-litre water storage tank and laying water distribution pipelines.

Upon completion, the project will increase water production from an average of 2.057 million litres per day to 6.48 million litres per day, significantly improving access to clean and safe water for residents of Manyoni Town.

The post PM vows action on graft first appeared on Daily News.

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