By D, KNA
A civil society group has urged residents of Homa Bay county to monitor implementation of government project more keenly to enhance transparency.
Leaders of the group dubbed Coalition of Homa Bay Organisations on Governance Oversight (CHOGO) said there was need to curb corruption and shoddy workmanship in projects through citizen oversight.
The group’s chairman Edgar Ochweyo and secretary Nicholas Ouma expressed concerns that lack of citizens’ involvement was the contributing to inefficiencies in projects implementation.
Speaking on Tuesday (today) in Homa Bay town during a workshop on accountability organized by The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) in collaboration with CHOGO, Ouma lamented that the citizens were getting a raw deal in government projects due to corruption.
“When contractors realize that citizens lack accurate information on the projects they are undertaking, they find it easier to take shortcuts,” Ouma said.
He said prevention of corruption required hawk eyed monitoring of projects from inception to completion.
Ouma said that the procurement stage was crucial and residents must follow closely especially with the introduction of e-procurement system which makes tracking easier.
“It is important to monitor government projects from the beginning to the end. This enables citizens to have accurate information so that they are able to identify weakness and whistle blow,” he added.
Ouma argued that residents should not miss information on how a project is implemented at any stage.
He urged residents to avoid taking interest on projects after completion only, noting such lapses create room for public officials and contractors to collude in committing graft.
Ochweyo said accountability in implementation of government projects gives tax payers value for money.
He expressed concerns that citizens suffer due to poor service delivery.
“Accountability is a key foundation of economic progress, we must all promote transparency,” Ochweyo said.
The civil society leaders who were trained are expected to sensitize residents across the county.