ACC WARNS AGAINST FRAUD IN CASH FOR WORK MANAGEMENT

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Livingstone has issued a stern warning against fraudulent practices in the management of cash-for-work programs. This announcement came during a review meeting with ward committee members and council officers, aimed at assessing the effectiveness and transparency of the initiative.

Haadunka Mweemba, the ACC Livingstone Branch Manager, emphasized that any form of corruption or misuse of authority to access public funds constitutes a criminal offense. He urged all officials involved in the program to adhere strictly to the principles of accountability and integrity, reinforcing the ACC’s zero-tolerance stance against corruption.

The cash-for-work program is designed to provide temporary employment opportunities, primarily through manual labor, to support vulnerable community members. However, concerns were raised following reports that some beneficiaries from Kabila Ward had been underpaid after completing their scheduled 10-day work period.

In response to these allegations, program officials clarified that the affected beneficiaries had not worked the full number of allocated days, which led to the discrepancies in payment. They stressed that payments are strictly tied to the number of days worked, ensuring a fair distribution of funds.

Manager Mweemba reiterated the importance of maintaining transparency in all financial transactions within the program, warning that any misconduct would be met with legal consequences. He also encouraged community members to report any suspicious activities or irregularities to the ACC to safeguard the program’s integrity.

The ACC has vowed to continue working closely with local authorities and the public to foster a culture of honesty and accountability, ensuring that cash-for-work initiatives fulfill their intended purpose of alleviating poverty and empowering communities.
By Gabriel Muuba