Administrator of Chemba District Accused of Extortion

2 August 2010

Chiramba — Residents of the district of Chemba in the Mozambican central province of Sofala accused on Saturday district administrator António Januário of extortion and bribery in the awarding of the District Development Fund (FDD).

This fund is still commonly known as "the seven million", since the initiative began in 2006 as an allocation of seven million meticais (about 197,000 dollars at current exchange rates) to each of the country's 128 districts. The money was to be lent to people who presented viable projects to create jobs and boost food production.

These allegations were made during a popular rally addressed by the Mozambican President, Armando Guebuza, in the administrative post of Chiramba, in the district of Chemba.

Chano Jose Djone, one of the Chemba residents, told Guebuza, who was accompanied by several foreign diplomats, that in that district to be eligible for a loan from the FDD the applicants must accept to share some of the borrowed money with the district administrator Antonio Januario.

"Mr. President, here in Chemba we are facing many difficulties to get a loan, because when we apply for funds the administrator demands a share of the loans. We demand the return of former Administrator (Jorge Daul), who did much for the development of our district', said Jose Djone.

Another citizen who identified himself by name of Carlitos Escova added that in Chemba this same fund is always granted to the same people, for the detriment of others who have applied and seen their requests rejected.

According to Escova, the administrator only grants loans to those "he likes, or in exchange of goods, including goats".

Besides lack of transparency in the FDD management, Chemba residents also complained of serious mismanagement of human resources in the education sector.

Xavier Macutere, teacher by training, accused the Education District Director in Chemba of unfair deductions of teacher's wages.

He cited as an example, the deduction of two days pay in February, with the Education District Director claiming that this month has only 28 days.

The teachers also complained of other deductions on their wages that AIM found to be used to cover travelling expenses for other teachers on duty.

Those who dare to complain, explained Macutere, are persecuted and even expelled. At least five teachers have been victims of persecution, while others are expecting the same fate.

"Since 2006 there is a lack of a good working environment in the education sector because of unfair deductions on our wages and those who dare to complain are persecuted. Five teachers have been unfairly expelled and with no right to defense ', said Macutere.

Answering to these complaints, Guebuza expressed his satisfaction because the local residents exercised their right to voice their concerns, and thus contributing to find a solution which will help to boost development.

Guebuza also pledged that the Government will work to find solutions for the problems raised by the participants.

On Sunday Guebuza visited the Administrative Post of Tica, in the District of Nhamatanda, while on Monday, the last day of a four-day visit to Sofala, he will work in the Administrative Post of Goonda in Chibabava District.

Source: allafrica - 02.08.2010