Graft fight has gained momentum – Wandi

Graft fight has gained momentum – Wandi

Solwezi, April 27, 2013 (ZANIS) —Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) director general Rosewin Wandi says the fight against corruption drive has gained momentum in the last two years as seen from the number of graft cases being reported to the commission.

Ms Wandi said yesterday that the ACC is so far investigating 759 cases of corruption, which she said was a sign of good work given the limited number of manpower under the commission.

She said 19 of the cases under investigation are those reported in the 2011 auditor general’s report.

ZANIS reports that the ACC Director General said this at Solwezi Royal Hotel yesterday.

This was during a one day meeting organised to exchange ideas on how to effectively fight corruption, attended by ACC officers, provincial government heads of departments and representatives of the private sector.

She cited the Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012 as among the factors that have given impetus to the fight against corruption as it allows the ACC to investigate and confiscate proceeds of crime and any unexplained property.

She also attributed the increased momentum in fighting corruption to the national anti corruption policy.

She said the anti-corruption policy provides for all law enforcement agencies to work in partnership, unlike in the past when these agencies worked in isolation.

Ms Wandi said with this approach corruption in the country is now being fought in a comprehensive, extensive and sustainable manner.  

Earlier North Western Province permanent secretary Augustine Seyuba said there has been serious comprises in standards of transparency and accountability within government in the province leading to high levels of corruption.

Mr Seyuba said North Western has seen an increase in economic activities which has led to a huge demand for goods and services.

He said following many people interacting in procurement of these services and goods, a tendency of corruption has risen proportionally.

He said the provincial administration has declared zero tolerance against corruption, the resolve which has made the administration unpopular among corrupt people.