Admarc officials marred implementation of 2012/2013 fertilizer subsidy-report
A report by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ABC), leading the fight against graft practices in Malawi, has revealed that Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (Admarc) officials are among authorities who marred the smooth implementation of the 2012/2013 Farm Input Subsidy Programme (Fisp).
The report on the programme says there was problematic supply of farm inputs with some areas over-supplied at the expense of others.
“Some officials engaged in fraudulent activities, for example at Dzaone in Zomba 600 bags went missing under the watch of an Admarc official who is still at large.
“There was also laxity on the part of Admarc officials in dealing with pertinent matters. For example, a T1 booklet was stolen from Admarc in Blantyre, it was never reported to police, and it is not surprising to note that 24 trucks of fertilizers were diverted to Ntcheu but the trucks had all proper documents, including T1s which were not produced by the authorities,” states the report, which was disseminated Thursday in Lilongwe.
ACB received a total 126 complaints bordering on corruption, out of which 86 cases were authorized for investigation and that 86 of the corruption cases, 63 cases have had their investigations completed, according to the report.
“Some areas were over-supplied (Zomba, Mangochi, Mulanje). This was a concern because some of these districts are border districts. This posed a risk of the fertilizer being smuggled into Mozambique.
“There are 16 cases that have been recommended for prosecution. Legal opinions and arrests are under progress. Prosecution on one of the case involving Group Village Headman Kamphata, who was found with 48 bags of fertilizer, was concluded. He was convicted, fined and ordered to return 46 bags,” it says.
Southern districts of Mwanza and Neno and Mzimba South East in the northern region were under-supplied.
ACB has since urged Fisp taskforce to ensure improved coordination between logistics, selling points and office of the district agricultural development officers for smooth implementation of the programme.
