UK tips Malawi Government on ending corruption

The British government has provided six points to Capital Hill as recommendations to curtail the country’s continued corruption and fraud.

Acting British High Commissioner to Malawi Sophia Willitts King says Malawians deserve an end to the looting of public funds and resources.

The recommendations came as Malawi on Friday joined the global community in commemorating International Anti-Corruption Day amid growing cases of the vice.

Writing on her twitter handle, Willitts King states that there is a need for practical steps to end fraud and corruption.

The recommendations include implementation of a single treasury account as stipulated in the Public Finance Management Act and the appointment of a capable Auditor General to ensure timely audits in government entities.

The British envoy also recommends transparency in the public procurement system towards ending cartels that push up prices and skim money.

“This means clearly publishing calls for bids and contract award notices so that Malawians can check the value of every kwacha spent,” she states.

She further calls for transparency in parastatals as well as transparency and publishing of company ownership.

“State-owned enterprises (SOEs) need to be accountable. It’s really expensive to bail them out when things go wrong and means less money for health and education! SOEs need to be part of Government financial systems so the Government can deliver accountability to the citizenry,” the High Commissioner explains.

She has since condemned the recent arrest of the Anti-Corruption Bureau-ACB Director Martha Chizuma, describing it as an attempt to thwart the fight against corruption.

“The fight against corruption is a fight for our very lives. Martha Chizuma is still standing…..She is my champion against corruption. Those…who tried to intimidate her…have failed. Those…who tried to make her feel like she is alone…have failed.”

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Titus Mvalo has emphasizing on the need for cooperation among law enforcement agencies if the fight against corruption is to be won.

The Justice Minister has observed that the ACB is working in vain due to lack of massive support from other public bodies like the police and judiciary.