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(NYASATIMES) Chikapa moved out of Lands Ministry amid corruption probe

Chikapa moved out of Lands Ministry amid corruption probe
By Nyasa Times
Published: March 2, 2010

Deputy Commissioner for Lands-Legal Services and Ms Irene Chikapa has been moved to Ministry of Labour a development which comes hot on the heals that officials of the Ministry of Lands have been implicated in wrongful self-enrichment in plot distribution which has seen many foreigners owning land than Malawians. Nyasa Times understands that Chikapa will now be deputy labour commissioner –legal services.

But government insiders said her posting is made to pave way for investigations by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) as encouraged by the Minister of Lands, Prof Peter Mwanza (pictured) following rampant corruption.

“I understand the posting has come about following investigations being undertaken by ACB, probing land scam,” a source at Capital Hill told Nyasa Times.

“I understand there will be many changes in the Ministry of Lands due to corrupt practices,” he added.

Officials from the graft busting body visited the ministry headquarters in Lilongwe to train staff on the formation of the Institutional Integrity Committee (IIC) charged to develop strategies of fighting corruption within institutions.

The Lands Minister urged ACB to probe his ministry over corruption allegations.

“We want you to help us curb the corruption which the ministry is involved in,” Mwanza is on record to have told ACB officials.

“Corruption is a disease which has gone deep in our society. We should not pretend that there is no corruption, especially in positions of influence. This is the first time to see you at my ministry and it is possible that someone has told you about wrong things in this ministry,” the Minister said.

Labels: CORRUPTION, LANDS MINISTRY (MALAWI)

posted by MrK @ 11:05 PM