Anti-Corruption Bureau principal public relations officer Egritta Ndala says their campaign in Salima District has established that communities do not access free services because they are asked to pay for them.
She made the remarks on Saturday during a press briefing after wrapping up their two-week anti-corruption campaign in the district.
Ndala said they opted for public forum discussions where they brought together duty-bearers and citizens to improve service delivery in the district.
She said: “We received a lot of queries. That is why we brought duty-bearers to explain the kinds of services available and how people can access them.
“However, from our meetings with people, poor service delivery came out top as a challenge.”
Ndala said some people accused their leaders of asking for money in exchange for services.She said the bureau will investigate further to establish the truth.
Traditional Authority (T/A) Ndindi said some duty-bearers were reluctant to prevent corruption in their institutions.
“I commend ACB for putting in place strategies that will help to fight corruption,” he said.
Concerned citizen, Sulaimana Maganga, said corruption was evil because it affects development of the district.
He said: “Corruption affects the delivery of social services and quality of public infrastructure.
“I urge my fellow residents to report the vice to relevant authorities.”
Maganga asked the bureau to intensify their interventions in the district.
ACB conducted an anti-corruption campaign in Salima District targeting health centres, council offices and also conducted one-on-one interactions with community members in two selected T/As.
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