Simiyu RC warns NGOs over donor funds embezzlement

The government in Simiyu Region has warned against the growing tendency by some nongovernmental organisations of embezzling donor funds while compiling unrealistic reports over projects implemented in the region. 

Regional Commissioner (RC), Anthony Mtaka gave the warning following the sickening reports that there were financial irregularities on a project dubbed Uwezo project implemented by AMREF Health Africa at the cost of Euro 250,503 (about 596m/-).

He asserted that despite being new and located in the peripheral, the region should not be used as an area for swindling donors’ funds as the situation if left unchecked will greatly taint government image before the donors.

Mr Mtaka who was addressing a special meeting organised by AMREF to review various projects carried out by the NGO, was shocked to learn that the organisation failed to honor projects guidelines as approved by the financiers.

Aggrieved by the report, RC Mtaka noted with concerns that it doesn’t make sense to him learning that his region has becomes the ‘hidey-hole’ for donor funds tricksters. As overall supervisor of all projects in the region, he said he “won’t tolerate and bless such bad habit.”

He noted that between December 2016 and June 2017, those who were tasked with managing the project that was meant to offer health services to the community, were only busy conducting trainings, seminars and unending meetings which unreasonably chewed up large amounts of money.

“I was surprised to see in your list of activities you planned to meet about 500 local government leaders and councilors who are the target… but am seeing representatives of district executive directors, medical officers and other top officials in the district councils.

This is pure fraud, a way of misusing funds, this can’t happen in my region,” he said.