EU ambassador speaks on corruption in Zimbabwe

A STRONG commitment and goodwill of the government is an essential element required in fighting corruption, European Union (EU) ambassador to Zimbabwe, Aldo Dell'Arricia said, taking note of what authorities have done in light of reported corrupt activities.

In an interview with Radio Dialogue, Dell'Ariccia said the EU was observing the interest and actions the government was taking towards fighting corruption.

He said it was encouraging to see some steps and commended the personal commitment of President Robert Mugabe who spoke strongly against it.

"The President has made a personal commitment in eradicating these problems, which of course is causing a major damage to the economic development of the country."

Dell'Arricia said the EU supported initiatives that fought corruption and last year in October, backed an anti corruption summit event that was organised by the Confederation of Zimbabwean Industries (CZI).

"It was a frank and open discussion on the problem and remedies that can be adopted in order to stop corruption. Corruption is an extremely complex problem. It goes from the bribe of one dollar to millions of dollars. It's a complex problem because we have the corrupt and the corrupter so one cannot just act on one side," he highlighted.

Commenting on the government sincerity in stamping the scourge, the EU envoy said: "for the moment at least we are informed about these issues, the salaries and so on. Already stiff actions have been taken against people who were recognised as involved in these kind of problems."

He also praised the efforts of some ministers who had already fired boards of big corporates.

"The minister of mines has reshuffled the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, Marange Resources has been cleansed too. We observe this kind of operation in other sectors.

"Recently, minister Saviour Kasukuwere took action against people who by act or mission had not avoided these consequences of the floods. So its not just words, we see action. Of course a lot has to be done. It seems the problem is endemic but i think that is the commitment and goodwill of the government is essential element of this fight," the diplomat noted.

Dell'Ariccia said the EU it would continue supporting Zimbabweans who take strong stand against corruption.

"… like the CZI. We too, will try to correct the issue on our end of the process, trying to avoid business, which is done in an illegal manner," he said.

In another interview recently with United States ambassador to Zimbabwe, Bruce Wharton, on whether his country would continue investing monetary in the country following the high levels of corruption, he said his country was committed to seeing locals prosper and assistance will not stop.

"The US dollar is a unit of currency and trade besides we have a long, deep commitment to Zimbabweans. We intend to continue that relationship," he said.