Lubinda calls for mandatory disclosure of ministers’ assets

Lubinda calls for mandatory disclosure of ministers’ assets
By Gloria Siwisha
Tuesday August 05, 2008 [04:00]

ZAMBIANS should fight for laws that will compel ministers and parliamentarians to disclose their assets and liabilities publicly, Kabwata Patriotic Front (PF) member of parliament Given Lubinda has advised. In an interview, Lubinda warned that the failure by some ministers and members of parliament to disclose their worth compromised the fight against corruption. Lubinda noted that Zambians had the right to know leaders who were using public funds for developmental projects and those who were stealing.

"Zambians have the right to know how some government officials have managed to amass so much wealth in so little a time because some individuals are seen building mansions in Chalala at the expense of developmental projects. Such tendencies are fuelling corruption," Lubinda said. "I can assure you that the current Constitution does not have such laws."

Asked if the members of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) should ensure that such laws were included in the new constitution, Lubinda said the NCC should come up with its own ideas that would be beneficial to the country's fight against corruption.
"No, I will not advise the NCC members to fight for disclosure laws. Let them come up with their own ideas. That is why we are saying the country would have a good constitution had we been behind the constitution-making process," he said.
Lubinda added that it was only by disclosing assets and liabilities publicly that the country could record a significant reduction in the levels of corruption.

According to Article 90(1) of the Mung'omba draft constitution under the code of ethics and conduct of public officers, an Act of Parliament shall specify the categories of public officers who shall make declarations of their assets and liabilities.

The Act of Parliament shall also specify the form and manner of making the declaration and whom the declaration shall be submitted to.