Tanzania’s anti-corruption body reports progress in combating graft, enhancing transparency

Dar es Salaam. The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) has made significant strides in its efforts to combat corruption, according to its latest annual performance report for the fiscal year July 2023 to June 2024, presented today at the State House.

The report reveals that the PCCB successfully monitored over 1,700 development projects valued at Sh11.48 trillion, tackling corruption risks in key sectors such as infrastructure, health, and local government financial management.

Among the notable developments is a marked decrease in the number of investigated projects, from 171 in 2022/23 to 92 in 2023/24, suggesting that preventive measures are having a positive effect.

PCCB Director General Crispin Chalamila said that the bureau's main focus had been to enhance transparency and monitoring in public infrastructure projects across the country. 

“These projects, valued at Sh11.48 trillion, are essential to Tanzania’s growth, but we must ensure that the funds allocated are used effectively and that the projects are completed to the highest standards,” he said.

The report also noted that the bureau had identified several irregularities in the projects it monitored, such as non-compliance with construction contracts, failure to conduct material quality tests, and delays in contractor payments.

As a result, 92 investigations were initiated into projects worth Sh65.16 billion, a decrease from the previous year, when 171 projects valued at Sh143.35 billion were under investigation. This drop signals the increasing success of preventative measures in monitoring project implementation.

To further strengthen accountability, the PCCB educated 1,362 stakeholders and project implementers on corruption risks. 

Additionally, 319 projects received advisory services to close potential loopholes, contributing to increased public awareness and scrutiny of development projects.

The bureau also focused on improving tax collection and land administration systems. 

Research into 660 service delivery and tax systems revealed significant gaps, including the failure of 52 local councils to remit withholding taxes in full. These issues have since been addressed, resulting in an additional Sh2.15 billion in taxes collected.

Furthermore, land service regulations were reviewed, particularly in areas such as land planning, surveying, titling, and permit issuance. Chalamila pointed out that compliance with the Client Service Charter for land administration was below 50 percent, with challenges including staff shortages, non-integrated IT systems, and weak local government supervision. To address these issues, the PCCB has recommended reforms in staffing, IT systems, and public education on land ownership procedures.

The report also highlights the bureau's work in tackling corruption risks in judicial services and financial management for non-governmental projects. In total, 579 consultative meetings were held with stakeholders, leading to the implementation of 93.2 percent of the 1,534 recommended anti-corruption measures.

Chalamila said by reaffirming the PCCB's commitment to transparency and accountability, saying, “Our efforts are yielding positive results, but there is still much work to be done. We must remain vigilant in safeguarding the public’s trust and resources.”