The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has called on public officers in the country`s district councils to desist from engaging in corrupt practices, observing the vice is evil and retards development.

The Bureau`s Public Education Officer, Tapiwa Nyoni said this during a day-long Ethics and Integrity workshop that took place in Nkhotakota on Tuesday.

She said ACB has the mandate to reach out to citizens of all walks of life and teach them so that they prevent corruption.

Nyoni said the bureau had targeted councils because the nature of the work of most public officers in the councils gives room for corruption.

“We all know that because of decentralization, funds are controlled within the district, besides them also generating their own income. Since resources are heaped on them, there is a risk and room for these public officers to be tempted into engaging in corruption,” she said.

District Environmental Health Officer (DEHO) for Nkhotakota who participated, Thomas Mchipha said the training was important and urged for continuation of similar initiatives.

“It has made us aware of how, when and where to report corruption. We noted that there is need for feedback by the bureau on reported cases of corruption as well as lack of knowledge by the public on how such can be reported.

Source:MANA