Tanroads in Kigoma decries bribe-taking among workers

Kigoma. Some 71 officials of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) have been suspended over an alleged corruption scandal at the weighbridge unit in Kigoma.

This was said on Wednesday, November 1, by the Tanroads chief executive officer, Mr Patrick Mfugale, when launching the agency’s ninth Workers Council which comprises three administrative regions of Tanzania-Mainland.

The CEO said preliminary investigation conducted into the matter has established rampant corruption in involving some weighbridge officials who inexplicably allow clearly overloaded vehicles to continue on their way.

In the event, he stated, seven Tanroads officials are already under investigation, with three currently being interrogated by the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB).

“We’ll not entertain anyone who will be found to be involved in corruption… they will be fired immediately,” Mr Mfugale said – adding that some officials were sacked from work between January and October this year after they were found guilty of corruption at the workplace.

For his part, the Kigoma District Commissioner, Mr Samson Anga, acknowledged the government’s continued efforts to extend tarmac road networks in the municipality.

Noting that the roads will considerably ease the transporting of people and goods Kigoma and neighbouring areas, the DC sais that this will go a long way in facilitating ready accessibility to assorted social services.

Among the projects being carried out in the region are the construction of Nyakanazi—Kakonko, and the Kasulu—Kidahwe roads.

The Tanroads Board chairman, Ms Hawa Manga, stated that the supervisory body will continue to take disciplinary measures against corrupt officials – stressing the imperative need for all workers to refrain from bribe-taking.