Chipata council to forward fraud cases to ACC

The Eastern Province Local government Officer says cases brought forward on suspicions of embezzlement of funds at Chipata Municipal Council will be forwarded to the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) for investigations.

Macloud Nyirenda said government took note of some of the concerns by council workers who alleged that there was malpractice in the issuance of receipts by the local authority.

 Mr Nyirenda said some of the concerns were that council officers were allegedly   issuing fake receipts to clients.

He noted that some issues would be addressed administratively while others will be taken to the ACC for further investigations.

He also revealed that his office has recommended for the appointment of a new Town clerk at Chipata Municipal Council following the resignation of Town clerk Ekan Chingangu.

Mr Nyirenda said the matter will be addressed by the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) and stated that Government would not want to create a vacuum.

And on claims that Division One, Division Two and Division Three employees are in two months’ salary arrears, Mr Nyirenda said government had settled its 50 per cent salary for the month of November and stated that the other 50 per cent was supposed to be paid by the council.

Mr Nyirenda said there is need for councils to increase their revenue bases for them to be able to attend to their responsibilities.

He stated that councils should not entirely depend on government but instead seek ways in which they can widen their revenue base.