Anti-Corruption Bureau Cites Funding Challenges for District Offices
The ACB's lack of widespread presence raises concerns about accessibility and citizen engagement in the fight against corruption in Malawi.
BLANTYRE, Malawi - The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has acknowledges the lack of offices in every district hinders their ability to combat corruption effectively, citing inadequate funding as the primary obstacle, according to Principal Public Relations Officer Egrita Ndala, writes Ted Likombola.
This comes amidst concerns raised by the community in Mulanje district, where residents feel their fight against corruption is hampered by the absence of a local ACB office.
"We are hesitant to report corruption cases because we believe the ACB only deals with government issues, not community concerns," said Group Village Head Namputu of Senior Chief Chikumbu in Mulanje.
"Having an ACB office in our district would greatly facilitate the process of reporting corruption."
Ndala acknowledged the bureau's plans to expand its presence across districts but highlighted financial constraints as a significant barrier.
"While we strive to open more offices nationwide to strengthen the fight against corruption, our limited budget restricts us from supporting the staffing and operational costs associated with each location," Ndala explained.
"However, we are committed to gradual expansion and are currently in the advanced stages of establishing offices in Mchinji, Karonga, Machinga, and Chikwawa."
The ACB's lack of widespread presence raises concerns about accessibility and citizen engagement in the fight against corruption in Malawi.
The bureau's efforts to expand its reach, while gradual due to financial limitations, aim to address these concerns and enhance their effectiveness in tackling corruption across the country.