Corruption hindering development – Deputy Speaker

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Corruption
Corruption
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mukondo Lungu, has observed that the increasing demand for transparency in the distribution of public resources calls for stronger methods of monitoring these resources.

Speaking during the launch of the African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (APNAC) 2014 to 2017 Strategic Plan at Parliament this morning, Dr. Lungu says the strategic plan is an important tool that will guide parliamentarians on how best to monitor the distribution of public resources.

Mr Lungu states that corruption remains one of the major hindrances to development thus the need to address it aggressively.

He adds that there is need for the state and parliamentarian to continue collaborating and strengthening their relationship in a bid to ensure that public funds are safeguarded and used appropriately.

The Deputy Speaker notes that the formulation of the strategic plan has come at a right time when Zambia is in dire need of suitable monitoring mechanisms.

Speaking at the same event, APNAC Chairperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, revealed that the performance audit revealed that at least 70 percent of the intended objectives in the last strategic plan were met.

Mr. Mweetwa adds that some of the objectives include; the establishment of the secretariat, formation of constituency anti corruption groups, submissions to both the 2010 and 2012 bills, recruitment of new members and the launch of the handbook on anti corruption for parliamentarians.

Mr. Mweetwa, who is also Choma Central UPND Member of Parliament, says despite recording these successes, the network has faced a number of challenges which include high membership turnover after general elections due to seat nullification by the courts, inadequate funding, limited specialized skills in certain areas and inadequate staffing levels.

And APNAC Zambia founding President, Given Lubinda, has called for the revision of the country’s anti corruption Act in order to fight corruption effectively.

Mr. Lubinda has also appealed to APNAC Members to work tirelessly in ensuring that corruption is given the urgent attention it deserves.

QFM News

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