Maravi

Nyirongo writes ACC to probe lands commissioner

Nyirongo writes ACC to probe lands commissioner
By Nomusa Michelo
Tuesday February 27, 2007 [06:50]

LANDS minister Gladys Nyirongo has written to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands Fightone Sichone over allegations of corruption. In an interview on Sunday, Nyirongo confirmed that she reported Sichone to the ACC last Thursday following numerous complaints from members of the public.

"Yes, I have written to the ACC so that they can investigate these allegations. Many reports have been reaching my office, alleging abuse of office and corrupt tendencies in the allocation of land," Nyirongo said. "These things have to be cleared, especially that he has now been appointed to act as permanent secretary. There are also other issues to do with inefficiency in the office of the Commissioner of Lands."

Nyirongo said it was critical that Sichone was cleared of the allegations of corruption. "When your integrity comes under question, these questions have to be resolved. People are questioning his integrity and his capacity to run that office," she said. "These complaints I have heard and received are from members of the public and there are many reports. I had a duty to report, lest they say I am sitting on information. I reported this matter on Thursday. I am also questioning his efficiency and the issues surrounding his work as Commissioner of Lands."

And ACC director general Nixon Banda confirmed that Nyirongo had reported allegations of corruption against Sichone and that the ACC was actively investigating the reports. "I can confirm that we have received a report from the minister (Nyirongo) alleging some corrupt practices by the Commissioner of Lands (Sichone)," he said. "And prior to that, we also received some complaints against the commissioner which are a subject of investigation. We are investigating."

And when contacted, Sichone said he was not aware that the ACC was investigating him. Sichone refused to comment on the matter and said he wondered why he should communicate with the minister through the papers instead of in person. "I am not aware of those investigations," he said. "But now I'm wondering why I should communicate with the minister through the press, so I won't comment on that."

Labels: ACC, LAND

posted by MrK @ 3:14 PM