Unit stopped over failed prosecution

THE fraud and complaints unit at the Department of Lands and Physical Planning was abolished because it had failed to prosecute any cases.
Department secretary Benjamin Samson told The National that since its establishment two years ago, it had cost the department about K1 million, yet, no results were produced.
He said the fraud unit was supposed to be receiving complaints of the public and investigating them to establish whether proper processes were followed or if there was abuse.
This was meant to ensure lands staff involved in improper and illegal actions were referred to the police.
“We had about four officers from the fraud squad attached to the department, there was no need for the State to continue to pay for officers when we were not receiving any results,” Samson said.
“Now we have the auditors who are being entrusted to look into those complaints.”
Samson said the fraud unit was abolished but the complaints desk was still operational and people were still reporting their queries .