|
Tanzania gets $11m grant to fight graft
2006-02-02 08:29:39
By Pastory Nguvu
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) board of directors has approved a US$ 11.15 (12bn/-) grant to Tanzania to initiate a multi-sectoral campaign on corruption in the country.
This was revealed yesterday in Dar as Salaam during a meeting between Finance minister Zakia Megji and MCC delegation.
Speaking at the meeting, US Ambassador Michael Retzer said the grant was extended under the Threshold Program to be implemented over two years.
He said the programme would enable the country to enhance local capacity to fight corruption and strengthen the rule of law for good governance.
’’Under former President Benjamin Mkapa, the government of Tanzania established a positive track record in its efforts to address corruption and was reported as the only African country that had significantly improved in three government categories during the 1996-2004 period,’’ he said
He added that the current president, Jakaya Kikwete, had made a commitment to continue to fight against corruption.
’’MCC looks forward to the implementation of this program which, if successful, will significantly advance the progress Tanzania is making in its fight against corruption,’’Retzer said.
He said the MCC assistance would fund four initiatives, namely building the non-governmental sector monitoring capacity, strengthening the rule of law for good governance, establishing a financial intelligence unit and curbing corruption in public procurement.
Meghji thanked the US embassy for enabling Tanzania, become eligible for MCC assistance.
She said Tanzania had enjoyed a strong, stable and growing economy in the past decade due to the government’s commitment to prudent macroeconomic policies and sustained structural reforms supported by development partners, including the US.
’’The support of our development partners has enabled Tanzania to improve macroeconomic and fiscal performance, and achieve some progress on the poverty reduction front, despite shocks like worsening terms of trade, recurring droughts and high oil prices,’’ she said.
|
