During inspections of the activities of territorial councils funded by the central authorities for the implementation of development programs, the regional office of the Bureau for the Prevention and Combating of Corruption (PCCB) in Singida revealed the loss of resources and the failure of project deadlines. To address these issues and increase transparency, the agency organized a series of seminars with key participants.
At the opening of one of the events dedicated to project management, the head of the PCCB regional office, Sosthenes Kibvengo, said that the public expenditure tracking methodology (PETS) revealed insufficient involvement of stakeholders and the risks of inefficient use of the budget. This methodology serves as a tool for monitoring the movement of public finances and resources from central authorities to the final links of the service delivery system, including educational and medical institutions.
At the event, which was attended by Regional Commissioner Halima Dendego, Kibwengo noted that systemic problems continue to recur, despite management directives, which negatively affects the quality of projects, increases costs and reduces the expected benefits for citizens.
The head of the PCCB Regional office, Sosthenes Kibwengo, referred to article 27 of the 1977 Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, emphasizing that it empowers citizens and obliges them to protect national wealth from exploitation and abuse. «This task is especially important for the leaders present here, as their responsibility exceeds ordinary civic duties. The development monitoring data shows that we have not fully completed this task. Our control and management mechanisms have gaps», he noted.
The authorities organized this forum in Singida to ensure the rational use of development funds, prevent waste and misuse of resources, eliminate delays in implementation, and increase stakeholder engagement. «Solving these issues, I am sure, will allow us to focus on new tasks next time, rather than repeat the same mistakes that require management intervention», he said.
Speaking to an audience that included local officials, contractors and other participants, Regional Commissioner Dendego noted that most of the public funds are allocated to development programs and projects that are major catalysts for socio-economic growth. Thanks to these initiatives, she added, the population gets access to high-quality services in healthcare, education, water supply, infrastructure and other areas.
It is the responsibility of each stakeholder to ensure effective, transparent and accountable use of public resources. «Similarly, each of us must perform our duties professionally and conscientiously in order to ensure the effective and timely achievement of the set goals of development programs and projects», she added. The Head of the PCCB Bureau expressed optimism that the presentations made during the workshop would help stakeholders gain a deeper understanding of the various problems and shortcomings encountered in the implementation and monitoring of development projects. According to her, the event will also serve as a reminder to stakeholders of their responsibility to identify and resolve such issues in a timely manner so that projects bring the expected results to citizens.
