Abyei Chief Administrator says determined to end corruption

February 26 2010 (KHARTOUM)-Abyei Chief Administrator, Deng Alor Kuol has said determined to introducing measures that would control corruption and other administrative malpractices.

Addressing natives of Abyei in Khartoum at Comboni ground, he called for enhanced accountability among procuring entities and construction firms in the cost and quality of public sector construction projects to curb corruption.

He further said his administration would be proactive in the fight against corruption, particularly in the construction sector given the huge investments in physical infrastructure going in the area.

The official stated that he has realized importance of the greater need to encourage public procuring entities disclose to the public amount needed for specific projects before commencement of the work.

The reason is that it helps control and prevents any misgivings that might arise out of suspicion and ill perception. In the past there were some cries and complaints of shoddy works in public-funded construction projects. Some of these complaints were genuine, he said.

There have been allegations of corruption and convictions in the construction of roads connecting Abyei town with its rural villages, this has caused concerns with previous administration. Chief Administrator Kuol seeks to avoid occurrence of the similar mistakes.

He said the corruption costs go beyond increasing the total contract cost as it causes unsuitable, defective, white elephants and sometimes dangerous construction projects.

Deng said effects of corruption are greatly felt by poor citizens who cannot afford alternative public services other than those provided by Government nor can they afford to pay extra costs associated with bribery, fraud and extortion.

He said projects such as cost which are preventive in nature can only complement the other already existing measures in the construction sector.

Speaking at the same gathering, Nyanwut Miyen, a designated head of physical infrastructure department and member in the National Assembly in Khartoum applauded initiative of the chief administrator saying accountability determine development.

“Our administration needs team of committed and determined individuals who would seek ways to engage a consultancy work on a baseline study to ascertain transparency levels in the construction sector.”

She said this group would also be encouraged to seek an assurance team to carry out assessments of the randomly selected construction projects throughout the country in various sectors of the industry.

(ST)