Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed approves anti-corruption taskforce

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Musabah Al Marar, general manager of Abu Dhabi Municipality, admire the architecture model of Al Maqta The Canal Walk on their way to the Executive Council meeting at theShow more

A taskforce is to be set up to investigate government bodies which may be involved in corruption or financial breaches.

The unit was approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, at an Executive Council meeting on Thursday.

The unit will be led by the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority and transparency will be high on its agenda. As well as investigating financial breaches and corruption, the unit will scrutinise legislation, test financial and administrative systems and ensure accountability.

It will also present proposals to remedy problems and limit any damage caused.

The authority’s work will translate the vision of the country’s leadership in increasing efficiency of government work, as well as supporting development and progress.

In order for the unit to work effectively, there will be a need for collaboration between the authority, judicial, security and any other bodies in setting the policies that will assure consumers and create greater trust in government institutions, the council heard.

The unit’s scope extends to offences that affect public funds, the abuse of civil positions, conflicts of interest, profiteering from government contracts, or fraudulent behaviour during the execution of contracts.

During the meeting, held at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, officials also discussed the progress of projects within the emirate, and ways to improve community-based initiatives.

A new batch of housing loans was approved and a human resources authority, which will merge with Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council, was given the go-ahead.

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More from the Executive Council meeting:

■ Abu Dhabi Executive Council approves Dh2.4bn home loans for citizens

■ New licence plates to champion Abu Dhabi

■ Abu Dhabi Crown Prince reviews Al Maqtaa Canal Walk project - in pictures

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