Invariably complaints are tendered about unsatisfactory work, unmet expectations and corruption. Most often than not those who level these allegations believe that better can be done or are mistaken about just how much funds are available to their local authorities, lack the evidence or are unwilling to come forward to prove their claims of corruption.

Unfortunately, most of the citizens feel that the Government has absolute control of all that goes on within these local government bodies and therefore it is blamed for all the perceived wrongs. This is a misplaced assessment and in fact it can be argued that from a democratic perspective, residents ought to have a greater say in the way their councils are run, and that the more citizens begin to scrutinise local authorities, the less will there be a need for intervention by the Government.

The local government system is one of the most important tiers of government but it does not fall exclusively within the hands of the Central Government. Regional Councils, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and the councils of the municipalities are all elected bodies and are therefore under the control of elected representatives.

The development that is widespread throughout the country is proof both of the vibrancy of many of these bodies and of the financial assistance that the Government has given to them directly and through supporting infrastructure and development.

The Government is entrusted with powers relating to financial accountability. While primary functional oversight is exercised at the lower level, the principle has always been that where financial irregularity is suspected, the Government through the local government ministry can intervene to protect the public interest by ensuring that monies are duly accounted for, the rules are being applied lawfully and that there is no corruption.

In this regard, it is the Government's duty wherever there are persistent reports of corruption within the local government system, to take steps to investigate. In order to protect the integrity of the records and avoid situations that can impair a fair and impartial investigation, it is sometimes necessary to suspend, remove or send on leave officials whose presence may hinder or hamper the course of any investigation.

Corruption, we know, is never easy to excise and very often persons accused of corruption find an ally in legal technicalities, poor prosecution or plain good luck. In other cases, there is not sufficient evidence to nail the charges. However, in all cases, it is the duty of the Government to ensure that all steps are taken to protect the interest of the citizens.

From recent indications, the Government is taking a firm stance against fraud at the local government level.

Citizens deserve no better than to ensure that their hard earned money is utilized for the benefit of their communities and is not pilfered or misappropriated. Promoting greater accountability at the local government level will ensure that citizens benefit from the rates and taxes they pay as well as from the hefty contribution that the Government doles out to these bodies.

Throughout this country, there are roads to be fixed, drains to be cleaned, bridges to be built and a wide range of services to be provided. Communities are calling for greater value for their money.

One way of ensuring this goal is by removing and exposing corrupt public officials, no matter which party they may have come from or which region, village or district they are found.