THE lack of information to gather evidence hinders the eradication of corruption, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) deputy director general Erna van der Merwe says.
People’s attitudes towards corruption also impact the efficiency and effectiveness of the commission’s operations, as “tolerating corruption is but one example of the careless attitude of Namibians,” she said at the commission’s media briefing on Tuesday.
She added that the reluctance of government offices, ministries and agencies (OMAs) to assist the commission with supporting documents for cases reported to them is another stumbling block.
“The same goes, however, for the private sector, where some institutions such as mines are hesitant to come forth with evidence.”
Van der Merwe additionally expressed concern about OMAs, especially in the Erongo region, not adhering to the Public Procurement Act to address corruption. “This practice harms fair competition, and also the survival of SMEs, which Namibia needs to empower for future economic growth,” she noted.
Furthermore, the devastating consequences of corruption on the global economy could continue for many years, and Van der Merwe thus called on every Namibian citizen to join the fight against corruption as it is not the responsibility and duty of the ACC alone to fight the scourge.
– Nampa
