Story by Beldina Nyakeke, The Citizen Correspondent, Musoma -- The Citizen ---
The government has lost more than Sh4 billion which was remitted to
Mara Region for improving its agricultural sector during the last
season.
The Mara regional commissioner, Mr John Tupa, said it
remitted about Sh4.4 billion in the new system of agricultural inputs.
The money was meant to improve farming and hence boost farmers’ harvests
during the season. Mr Tupa said only Sh20 million was given to farmers
while the rest was misappropriated by government officials in all
districts of Mara Region, "Instead of our farmers benefiting from the
government funds, government workers decided to misappropriate them," he
lamented.
As a result, he said, his office would deal with the
issue and book the culprits. Without going into details, he said they
include some government officials who were responsible for the
distribution of the money to farmers.
He said for a start some of
them have been suspended from their jobs while investigations are
going on to book all concerned officials. Mr Tupa said there were cases
filed in court for more legal action.
Meanwhile, the Musoma
District Council (MDC) decided to call an emergency meeting of its full
council to discuss the issue. It is said that the district has the
greatest number of government workers alleged to be involved in the
scam. The MDC chairman, Mr Magina Magesa, said the meeting to discuss
the issue will be held tomorrow and would decide on what to do with the
matter.
Mr Magina said the MDC would also form a probe committee
and after investigations its final report would be handed over to the
Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau ( PCCB) in the region for
further action.
The Bunda District Commissioner, Mr Joshua
Mirumbe, said three workers from the district Agriculture department
were suspended and required to respond to the allegations. He mentioned
them as Astariko Chibunu, the district head of the department of
agriculture and cooperatives as well as Balismark Shija and one who
identified by single name as Masawa both were extension officers.
He
mentioned them as Head of agriculture and cooperative department in the
district, Mr Astarico Chibunu, Balismark Shija and another identified
by the single of Masawe, the latter two being extension officers.
Mr
Mirumbe said they were suspended over alleged misuse of government
funds. He added that five Village executive officers also were also
suspended, but two have appeared before the court over the allegations.
