Arua City Physical Planner Arrested Over Bribery Allegation
In a surprising turn of events, the Arua City Physical Planner, Moses Findru, found himself behind bars on Monday, November 6th, amidst allegations of granting permission for the construction of a communications tower without council approval.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, shedding light on potential corruption within the city's planning department.
It is alleged that Mr. Findru authorized the American Tower Construction Company (ATC) to erect a communications tower behind Arua Public Library, located along Avenue Road. What makes this case particularly controversial is the claim that this permission was granted in direct defiance of an objection by the Arua City Council, which had raised concerns about the project.
The situation unfolded during an oversight meeting chaired by Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, Beatrice Akello Akori, who promptly ordered Findru's arrest for further investigation, citing suspicions of bribery.
The arrest was met with mixed reactions from the local community, and it appears to have exposed some underlying tensions within the city's administrative bodies.
Osuga Rashul, the Speaker of the Arua Central Division Council, accused Moses Findru of causing confusion and disregarding the council's position on the matter. This incident highlights the importance of proper coordination and communication within the local government to ensure that all decisions align with the broader interests of the community.
In contrast, Lomori Vidal, the councilor representing Pangisa Ward in Arua Central Division, welcomed the arrest of the Physical Planner. This sentiment reflects the diversity of opinions within the local government, indicating that there is ongoing debate and division on this issue.
Paul Batanda, Arua City Clerk, revealed that he had advised Moses Findru not to grant permission for the construction of the tower.
In Picture, Session Of Inquiry in the Arua City Hall
This was due to the city's plans to construct a multibillion-dollar library on the same land. Findru's alleged disregard for this counsel raises concerns about the decision-making process within the city's planning department.
Minister Akello's warning against acts of corruption is a timely reminder of the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in public service. It serves as a clear message to the staff at the Arua City Planning Department that corruption will not be tolerated and that those engaging in such activities will face legal consequences.
The incident involving Moses Findru and the alleged bribery underscores the need for proper checks and balances in local government decision-making. It is a stark reminder that public officials must prioritize the interests of the community over personal gain and ensure that the established protocols and procedures are followed to maintain trust and integrity in the planning and development processes.
As the investigation unfolds, the people of Arua City and stakeholders across the region will be closely watching the outcome, hoping for a resolution that upholds the principles of justice, transparency, and accountability in local governance. This incident serves as a reminder that the rule of law should be upheld at all levels of government to ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of the community rather than personal gain.
BY: Matata Benzamin, Dailywestnile.info
