Total 98 complaints received against local Govt. institutions in November

Thursday, 31 December 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Western Province records highest number of complaints
Grievances directed to Commissioners of Local Government for further review
No significant change in the average number of monthly complaints during the first month of operations

A total of 98 charges against fraud and corruption in Local Government Institutions have been received for the month of November whilst the Western Province recorded the highest number of complaints.

Western Province Local Government Authorities had a significant number of grievances recorded against them which amounted to 53 whilst North Western Province followed by recording 11 and Central Province recorded 8 complaints.

The Eastern province had six complaints against its local authorities whereas Northern Province recorded five charges. Southern, North Central and Uva Provinces had four grievances each meanwhile Sabaragamuwa province had the lowest number of complaints, which amounted to three.

Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Faiszer Musthapha has asked for a record on these complaints immediately. Accordingly the complaints have been directed to the Commissioners of Local Government for further review.

This development comes following the establishment of an investigation unit established by the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government on 5 November this year. The unit works hand in hand with the Bribery Commission and Police Department. The move came as a positive outcome to the public to restructure the complaints process systematically primarily focusing on fast solutions.

However when Daily FT inquired from the Ministry the officials they were unable to divulge a response timeline for the grievances. They also noted that the severity of the charges will be known only after the proper screening is completed by Commissioners of Local Government.

Furthermore they said that there has been no significant change with regard to the number of average complaints received after the establishment of the special unit since many are unaware of such a development.

Grievances can be forwarded by contacting their direct line 2328428, or by their fax no 2328282 and also emailed to [email protected]