PCCB urges LATRA to strengthen ICT Systems to combat corruption

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) has urged the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) to further strengthen its Information Communication Technology (ICT) systems to reduce the need for citizens to interact directly with service providers, thus minimising the chances for corrupt practices.

The call was made by the PCCB Principal Investigation Officer John Shija, when presenting the topic on the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan Phase IV (2023-2030) at the 6th LATRA Staff Council Meeting held in Arusha on Friday.

Mr Shija said that enhancing IT systems would help eliminate the need for face-to-face interactions between citizens and service providers, thereby reducing the possibility of negotiations that could lead to bribery.

“Strengthening IT systems will help ensure that citizens do not have to meet with staff when requesting services, thus reducing the chances of corruption. Continue to innovate and promote the use of technology in your services,” he insisted.

Besides, Mr Shija urged Latra employees to avoid corrupt practices by maintaining transparency and accountability in their duties.

He added that transparency would help stakeholders understand how to access services and reduce potential corruption risks.

“By ensuring transparency, stakeholders will have a better understanding of how to access services, which will minimise the possibility of corruption, Mr Shija added.

In particular ,he also urged Latra staff to be responsible and adhere to existing laws, regulations, and procedures, as well as understanding the consequences of involvement in corruption.

“Employees must refrain from corrupt practices and adhere to public service ethics in executing their duties in order to effectively achieve the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan Phase IV, the staff council must also play a role in promoting these ethics in the workplace and fighting corruption to ensure the success of this strategy,” he said .

Furthermore, he said the corruption has severe consequences in the society including delays in justice delivery, hindrance to national development, increased moral decay, higher disease transmission, and decreased accountability.

LATRA’s Director General, CPA Habibu Suluo, also stressed that corruption is an enemy of justice, saying it is crucial for all staff to be ethical and fight against corruption in their daily work.

“Public servants must be trustworthy. every employee has a responsibility to fight corruption in order to enhance integrity at the workplace, improve public service quality, and ultimately contribute to the growth of the institution and the nation as whole,” CPA Suluo said.