KANUNGU – Hon. Balaam, today morning chaired an anti-corruption meeting at Kanungu District, as part of the ongoing Expose and Eliminate Corruption Campaign by the Ministry of Local Government.
The biggest concern was the Parish Development Model (PDM). It was reported that beneficiaries are being extorted before accessing funds. Some are charged up to Shs 200,000 to receive Shs 800,000 out of the Shs 1 Million meant for them. The RDC noted that some officers implicated in the vice were arrested but were released after just two days.
The meeting also reviewed poorly handled local government projects:
Irrigation Project: The project was poorly handled leading to loss of government funds. Solar power panels meant for the project were reported stolen.
Fish Pond Project: Established on government land, the project is not benefiting the intended youth groups.
Kibimbiri Irrigation Project: The project has stalled due to lack of electricity. Leaders asked the central government through the Ministry of Water and Environment (MOWE) to intervene and restore power.
Other allegations tabled included the renting out of government land and irregularities in recruitment. It was alleged that some parish chiefs promote the highest bidder, and the District Service Commission (DSC) never considers anyone who does not pay. However, the DSC
Hon. Balaam warned that government will not tolerate officers who frustrate service delivery. He said all cases raised will be forwarded to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit for thorough investigation, and that officers found culpable will be held personally liable.
