PCCB Singida recovers over 41.9m/- in mismanaged funds

SINGIDA: THE Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Singida Region has recovered more than 41.9m/- following investigations in the implementation of various development projects carried out between January and March this year. Presenting the report on behalf of the PCCB Regional Head, Mr Onesmo Mdegela said that the amount was retrieved through the …

SINGIDA: THE Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Singida Region has recovered more than 41.9m/- following investigations in the implementation of various development projects carried out between January and March this year.

Presenting the report on behalf of the PCCB Regional Head, Mr Onesmo Mdegela said that the amount was retrieved through the monitoring of 25 projects valued over 19.4 bn/-, primarily in the education and judicial sectors.

Mr Mdegela explained that 25.44m/- had been deducted from contractors as withholding tax during construction projects at Dr Salmin, Minga, Mukhola and Kintinku secondary schools.

However, the said funds were not remitted to the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). A further 7.76 m/- was paid to a contractor who failed to supply materials to Unyianga Secondary School.

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In addition, 3.9m/- was overpaid to a contractor responsible for transporting construction materials from Dar es Salaam to Singida for Unyambwa Vocational School, while 600,000/- was paid for fictitious brick purchases intended for the construction of Kitinku Secondary School in Manyoni District.

“After uncovering these irregularities, we took immediate action to recover the 25.44 m/- to TRA, 7.76m/- to Unyianga Secondary, reclaimed 3.9m/- overpaid to the transporter and directed the contractor to refund 600,000/- to Kitinku Secondary School’s account,” Mr Mdegela stated.

He also said that the Bureau conducted an audit on the use of government subsidies and student contributions across various secondary schools in the region.

“The audit revealed that 2.8 m/- in student contributions, meant for purchasing ICT equipment and stationery, had been misused at Unyianga and Mikiu secondary schools. Following PCCB intervention, the funds were returned and measures were implemented to prevent future misuse of similar contributions” he explained.

Mr Mdegela further noted that public awareness initiatives have led to an increase of efficiency in supervising development projects, increased public reporting of corrupt practices and a noticeable decrease in complaints at the street, village and ward levels.

He called on all Singida citizens to avoid engaging in corrupt activities and to actively support anti-corruption efforts as the nation prepares for the General Election slated later this year.