Complaints on corruption cases and embezzlement of public funds referred to courts (Governor of Monastir)Longest Cruise Liner Docks In Mombasa

Governor of Monastir, Mondher Sik Ali, said that a large number of complaints on corruption cases were submitted to courts, adding that several cases of embezzlement of public funds were also identified. The governor pointed out that «hundred of complaints have been referred to various courts,» stressing that «if we do not take action, we will be accomplices in these corruption cases,» he told TAP on Friday. «We are looking for reconciliation before going to the criminal court. We asked them to settle their situation legally with the State rather than with people or political parties,» he pointed out. He stressed that «permits and authorizations granted to them must be based on real rather than fictitious files,» adding that «businessmen and investors must not be blackmailed by lobby groups, namely political parties or administrative officials, as it was the case.» «We have a lot of compelling evidence to prove our claims,» he underscored. Cases of "issuing contracts and granting unjustified privileges to certain people" will be referred to the judiciary, he said. The official spoke of embezzlement of public funds referring to tourist development project in Dkhila (Monastir governorate). The governor also spoke of the land of the Presidential Palace of Skanès, ceded by the State and purchased, at 42 dinars per square meter, by a research company on the basis of a contract established with the Ministry of Land Affairs with a view to creating a tourist complex there. This project has never been carried out. The company subdivided the land and sold the lots to individuals and made huge profits, he underscored. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse The Luxury Norwegian Dawn, the longest cruise liner for this season, made its maiden call at Mombasa's port with 2212 guests from at least 54 nationalities and 1113 crew members on board. Speaking during the cruise's stopover at the Mombasa port, Kenya Port Authority (KPA) Managing Director (MD) Capt. William Ruto said cruise tourism season has commenced on a high note, and with such vessels calling on the port, the industry had prospects of better returns. The MD noted that the Kenya Ports Authority has put substantial investment into the infrastructure, which has allowed the port to continue delivering efficient and reliable services, which in turn has boosted the attractiveness of such vessels to the port. 'The kind of infrastructure we have in place as the Kenya Ports Authority is tailored towards supporting cruise tourism. We are up to the task in terms of aspects like security, and we assure both guests and staff that the port of Mombasa is safe,' said Ruto. In his first call of the year, he urged v isitors to explore Mombasa's white sandy beaches and historical sites to boost the local tourism industry. On his part, Mombasa County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of tourism and trade, Mohamed Osman, lauded the efforts by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and KPA for the symbiotic relationship that has made such strides in the tourism sector achievable. He added that stakeholder synergy is the bedrock of success, and as the County Government of Mombasa, they are fully committed to working towards realising the blueprint set out in the tourism industry, which is the backbone of the port city. 'As Mombasa County, our role is to build a conducive environment for tourism growth, working with all relevant stakeholders to make Mombasa the premier destination in the region, 'said Osman. Capt. Asen Gyurov of the Norwegian Dawn thanked the Kenya Ports Authority management and lauded the seamless reception the liner received at the port on its maiden call. Gyurov expressed hope that the port will transf orm into a turnaround port for vessels in the future due to its exceptional performance. Source: Kenya News Agency