Anti-Corruption Bureau stops numerators’ recruitment
By Isaac Salima:
Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has stopped Ministry of Finance from continuing with activities in the 2023 Unified Beneficiary Registry data collection exercise in all districts across the country.
The data collected in the exercise will, among other things, help the government in identifying beneficiaries of this year’s Affordable Inputs Programme.
ACB’s restriction, which spokesperson Egrita Ndala has authenticated, advises ministries of Finance and Local Government, Unity and Culture against proceeding with the exercise.
“Take note that you shall not, without written consent, proceed with the recruitment and/or training and employment of enumerators, data collection or any activity related to the Unified Beneficiary Registry data collection 2023 exercise,” the notice, signed by ACB Director Martha Chizuma, reads.
The notice also states that the bureau has instituted an investigation offence into the exercise under the Corrupt Practices Act.
The order follows complaints from applicants in various districts who are questioning the manner in which successful candidates were picked.
Ministry of Finance spokesperson Taurai Banda confirmed receiving the order.
He said legal processes are underway to address the issue.
Under the exercise, the government has so far collected data from 18 districts and is remaining with 10.
From the 10 remaining districts, the government was expected to start the exercise in Chiradzulu, Dowa, Ntchisi, Nkhotakota, Kasungu and Karonga before winding up with Rumphi, Ntcheu, Lilongwe and Blantyre.
