Works ministry rolls out fresh strategy to eradicate corruption.

According to the latest CONAC report, the Ministry of Public Works is one of the institutions that have positively distinguished itself through the implementation of innovative activities to combat the scourge.

The actions undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works in the course of 2023 to combat corruption included prevention, education and best practices such as the processing of accounts through a one-stop shop. 

Officials say though the ministry is 11th on the ranking by CONAC, it “does not yet allow us to say that this scourge has been neutralised, it is important to note that more than ever, actions will continue to promote good practices”.

“Specifically, the fight against corruption is more evident at the Ministry of Public Works, MINTP, through traceability, the reduction of processing time and the identification of bottlenecks in the monitoring of files” the ministry said.

It stated that: “As a result, file processing forms have been introduced, as well as the popularisation of the processing of one-stop accounts and staff mission accounts by the credit authorising officers, the heads…in the Directorates General or the Head of the credit commitment department in the General Affairs Directorate”. 

The ministry said through the strategy flaws tantamount to corruption have been detected and corrected internally, with sanctions to follow.

“The actions linked to education concern the introduction by MINTP of ethical professional practices and the organisation of information and awareness-raising meetings for all staff in central and decentralised services. In addition, with a view to making those working in the sector less vulnerable to corruption, senior MINTP officials have organised visits to offices within central and decentralised departments in order to obtain a real understanding of the working conditions of their staff,” the ministry explained.

It also added that: “In the same vein, the buildings housing MINTP departments have been refurbished, thus improving the working environment and safety for staff. To encourage staff to resist corruption, MINTP has opted to appoint staff of merit and integrity to the weighing stations and the Three-year Emergency Plan to Accelerate Economic Growth, PLANUT Project Unit”.

The ministry has announced that for the year 2024, the opening of tollfree lines dedicated to whistleblowing will be effective before the end of the year.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3255 of Thursday October 10, 2024