N$11,25 million for graft fight

THE Government agency tasked to fight corruption in Namibia will have more funds available in the new financial year, according to Deputy Prime Minister Libertine Amathila.

Motivating the budget for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Parliament yesterday, she said N$11,25 million would be allocated to the Commission, up from N$6,58 million last year, which was the first year of operations for the ACC. The higher budgetary allocation would enable the agency to “effectively and efficiently investigate allegations of corruption and to conduct public educational campaigns on corruption,” Amathila told the House.The agency could now acquire the office space required to house its staff, fill all vacant positions and to conduct special operations as well as establish “one or more offices” in the regions.Amathila also noted that the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF) gave a grant to the ACC to strengthen its capacity.With the inclusion of this year’s new budget, the ACC will receive N$34,67 million until March 2010.The higher budgetary allocation would enable the agency to “effectively and efficiently investigate allegations of corruption and to conduct public educational campaigns on corruption,” Amathila told the House.The agency could now acquire the office space required to house its staff, fill all vacant positions and to conduct special operations as well as establish “one or more offices” in the regions.Amathila also noted that the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF) gave a grant to the ACC to strengthen its capacity.With the inclusion of this year’s new budget, the ACC will receive N$34,67 million until March 2010.