The Government has suspended 14 employees of the Muheza District Council following allegations of misuse of public funds and construction materials linked to the district administration building project.
The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, issued the directive under the 2022 Public Service Regulations to allow investigations to proceed fairly and transparently.
According to the Minister, the suspended officers are suspected of actions that caused delays and serious challenges in the project’s implementation.
The Muheza District Executive Director, under the supervision of the Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), has been instructed to ensure the employees step aside from their duties while investigations are ongoing.
Prof. Shemdoe explained that the decision followed instructions from the Prime Minister, who identified significant weaknesses during an inspection of the project.
Experts from PMO-RALG and the President’s Office were deployed to assess the situation and identify those responsible.
The Minister also directed the formation of a Preliminary Investigation Committee to examine the conduct of the suspended officers, emphasizing that disciplinary measures will be taken against anyone found responsible for mismanagement of public resources.
For individuals mentioned in preliminary reports who are not public servants, Prof. Shemdoe instructed the Police Force and the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) to take appropriate legal action.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, Ridhiwani Kikwete, confirmed that his office works closely with PMO-RALG to ensure proper management and discipline of public servants nationwide.
The Government has assured citizens of its commitment to safeguarding public resources and taking firm action against anyone found guilty of corruption or mismanagement.