The fight against corruption and broadly effective governance underpin the achievements of all developmental goals, ||Kharas Governor Aletha Frederick has said.
She made these marks at the stakeholders’ consultative meeting held by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) here on Tuesday, for input into its 2021-2025 National Anti-Corruption Strategic Action Plan.
Frederick said failing to promote and uphold ethical principles and maintain systems of integrity at all levels put the fulfilment of the entire national and sustainable development agenda at risk.
“Government fully acknowledges that corruption has been recognised as one of the world’s biggest development challenges that continue to pose severe threats to economic progress. Corruption is destructive to the economy, democracy and rule of law and should have no room in society,” the governor said.
She added that governance is about efficiency, effectiveness and making an impact in service delivery and no one should compromise on these principles.
Speaking at the same event was Keetmanshoop Mayor Maree Smit, who said a lot can be said about corruption and how to prevent it, but it comes down to values such as integrity, respect, transparency and accountability.
“We can debate the breakdown in moral fibre in our society ad nauseam but it will change nothing. What is important to note is that it starts with the seemingly insignificant – the manager who received bribes to award tenders probably started by appropriating stationary,” she said.
Smit added that the cost of corruption is devastating and affects those who can least afford it.
“Those who are left jobless because of Fishrot, those who sit without basic services because tenderpreneurs did not finish the job but disappeared with the money, those who suffer in their golden years because their retirement money is lost without a trace. Corruption is responsible for the inequality and poverty that help to create and maintain the environment in which violence thrives. It is our responsibility to be part of the solution and not the problem,” she stressed.
ACC is holding consultation countrywide for input into its 2021-2025 National Anti-Corruption Strategic Action Plan.
Source: Namibia Press Agency
