Arusha Regional Police Commander, Justine Masejo. Photo: File
TZ Arusha’s Anti-Corruption Crusade: PCCB Launches Major Probe into Regional Projects
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a decisive move against corruption, the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Arusha has initiated a comprehensive investigation into multiple development projects across the region’s six districts.
This sweeping probe comes hot on the heels of Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda’s recent tours, where he exposed a web of irregularities and demanded swift and stringent action. Makonda’s bold directives signal a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, aiming to ensure accountability and restore public trust in the management of public resources.
Among the projects under scrutiny is the construction of the Samia Girls’ Secondary School in Longido District. The government had allocated significant funds for the school’s completion, initially scheduled for earlier this year. While most buildings are finished, the dining hall remains incomplete, with allegations of financial discrepancies causing delays.
PCCB Regional Chief Zawadi Ngailo confirmed the commencement of investigations but remained tight-lipped about their progress. Meanwhile, Arusha Regional Police Commander Justine Masejo reported that several district council employees have been questioned, with some interrogated by the police and others by their respective disciplinary authorities.
In Longido, Makonda ordered a comprehensive review of all ongoing projects, including the Samia Girls’ Secondary School. This investigation comes on the heels of revelations in Karatu District, where fraudulent activities involving electronic fiscal device receipts by council employees were uncovered. These employees allegedly created a counterfeit system to issue fake receipts, diverting substantial revenue from the council.
Following these sightings, one accountant has been detained, and another is being sought for further questioning. The Karatu District Executive Director, Juma Hokororo, disclosed that the employees manipulated the system to issue fake receipts, diverting significant revenue from the council. The investigation aims to determine the extent of the misconduct and ensure accountability.
Monduli District is also under scrutiny, with allegations that several employees embezzled a substantial amount of public funds. In Arumeru District, Makonda ordered the arrest of Simon Kaaya, the Bwawani Ward Executive Officer, who is accused of instigating local disputes.
Two employees from the Arusha City Council are under investigation for document forgery, revenue diversion, and embezzlement of public funds. These allegations emerged from a complaint by the Chairman of the Tanzania Tour Operators Association (TATO), Wilbard Chambulo, who reported a significant discrepancy in service tax payments and receipts.
Despite these ongoing investigations, there are notable weaknesses within the anti-corruption frameworks of Tanzania and the broader East African region. Professor Patrice Lumumba of Kenya has frequently highlighted these shortcomings, pointing to a lack of political will, insufficient resources, judicial inefficiency, and low public awareness and involvement.
Anti-corruption bodies often face political interference, which limits their effectiveness. In many cases, high-ranking officials implicated in corruption are shielded from prosecution due to their political connections. This lack of political will undermines the efforts of agencies like the PCCB and diminishes public trust in the government’s commitment to combating corruption.
Many anti-corruption agencies operate with limited financial and human resources, constraining their ability to conduct thorough investigations and enforce anti-corruption laws. This lack of resources hampers their effectiveness and allows corruption to persist unchecked.
The judicial systems in these regions are often slow and burdened with backlogs, leading to prolonged trials and delayed justice. This inefficiency not only frustrates efforts to combat corruption but also erodes public confidence in the legal system. Without timely and effective judicial processes, anti-corruption measures lose their deterrent effect, and corrupt individuals continue to operate with impunity.
Public awareness and involvement are also critical components of effective anti-corruption efforts. However, there is often a lack of public awareness about the roles and responsibilities of anti-corruption agencies. Furthermore, citizens may fear reprisal for reporting corruption, reducing the number of cases brought to light. Enhancing public awareness and encouraging citizen participation are essential for creating a robust anti-corruption culture.
Professor Lumumba underlines the necessity for robust, independent anti-corruption institutions that are free from political influence, adequately resourced, and supported by efficient judicial systems. He emphasizes that without addressing these structural weaknesses, the fight against corruption in Tanzania and East Africa remains an uphill battle.
As the PCCB in Arusha intensifies its investigations, it is clear that combating corruption requires more than just uncovering isolated incidents. It necessitates a systemic approach that addresses the underlying weaknesses within the anti-corruption framework.
Only by addressing these systemic weaknesses can Tanzania and the broader East African region hope to make significant strides in the fight against corruption and achieve sustainable development. As authorities delve deeper into these investigations, they are uncovering the extent of misconduct and working towards greater accountability and transparency.
According to the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, Tanzania ranks as the 87th least corrupt nation out of 180 countries. Historically, Tanzania’s corruption ranking has averaged 97.27 from 1998 to 2023, with its highest ranking at 126 in 2009 and its lowest at 71 in 2002. These statistics highlight the ongoing challenges and underline the importance of the current efforts to combat corruption and foster a culture of integrity and good governance.
