Camartec director accused of embezzlement

                          

Dar es Salaam. Centre for Agriculture Mechanisation and Rural Technology (Camartec) Director General Mr Elifariji Makongoro appeared before the Public Leadership Ethics Tribunal yesterday to answer charges on the misuse of his authority  as well as embezzlement of public funds. Reading the charges against Mr Makongoro public secretariat lawyer Ms Mwanaharabu Talle, said Mr Makongoro faces two charges. According to her; these include nepotism and embezzlement of public funds and properties.

Ms Emma Essaba, Camartec chief internal auditor, who testified on behalf of the public leaders’ ethics secretariat, told the tribunal that Mr Makongoro’s leadership at Camartec failed to adhere to the leaders’ code of conduct.

For example Ms Essaba said Mr Makongoro has forced Camartec to pay him house allowance despite the fact that the institute has two unoccupied houses.

“Mr Chairman I have a payment voucher which shows that the director approved Sh1.3 million for house allowance in January 2013; this is contrary to Camartec staff regulations, the regulations require the institute to provide houses for its head of department or provide housing allowance if none is available,” said Ms Essaba.

The chief internal auditor also told the tribunal that Mr Makongoro has been using public resources for his personal benefit. For example, Ms Essaba told the tribunal Mr Makongoro used the Camartec mini bus between September 13 and 15 in 2013 to attend his sister’s son’s wedding in Dar es Salaam.    Ms Essaba also told the tribunal that Mr Makongoro has been favouring some staffs at the Camartec Director General’s office especially his personal secretary.

“For example Mr Chairman the acting Director General approved his secretary leave of absence so that she could take a course at Dodoma Institute of Accountancy without the blessings of the management or consulting the Human Resources Department,” said Ms Essaba. The case against Mr Makongoro was adjourned until the next tribunal sitting scheduled for next year.
The Citizen