Coming on strong against corruption

ROOTING out corruption will remain at the forefront of Government’s priorities, President Sam Nujoma pledged during his final State of the Nation address yesterday.

Parliamentarians applauded as Nujoma vowed that although he was stepping down as Government leader, the State would work tirelessly to rid the country of corruption. “The Government will leave no stone unturned in fighting against the abuse of public resources and public trust,” said Nujoma.The President said that Presidential Commissions of Inquiry that were instituted to investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement at some public institutions should be viewed as the first steps to prosecuting the guilty.The Anti-Corruption Act was among 24 laws which were passed last year, and Nujoma said this move should boost the the Anti-Corruption Commission when it swings into action.”My Government is committed to promoting ethical behaviour so that those entrusted with public resources can utilise them in the interest of society as a whole,” he said to approval from both sides of the House.Last year the President ordered investigations into allegations of malpractice at the Social Security Commission, which was followed at the end of the year by an inquest into reports of mismanagement at the Roads Authority and Roads Fund Administration companies.Nujoma added that the establishment of the Central Governance Agency which was set up to act as a watchdog over State-owned enterprises, would ensure their proper management and ensure that they did not burden the State.”The Government will leave no stone unturned in fighting against the abuse of public resources and public trust,” said Nujoma.The President said that Presidential Commissions of Inquiry that were instituted to investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement at some public institutions should be viewed as the first steps to prosecuting the guilty.The Anti-Corruption Act was among 24 laws which were passed last year, and Nujoma said this move should boost the the Anti-Corruption Commission when it swings into action.”My Government is committed to promoting ethical behaviour so that those entrusted with public resources can utilise them in the interest of society as a whole,” he said to approval from both sides of the House.Last year the President ordered investigations into allegations of malpractice at the Social Security Commission, which was followed at the end of the year by an inquest into reports of mismanagement at the Roads Authority and Roads Fund Administration companies.Nujoma added that the establishment of the Central Governance Agency which was set up to act as a watchdog over State-owned enterprises, would ensure their proper management and ensure that they did not burden the State.