Maravi

Corruption must be eliminated, says Rupiah

Corruption must be eliminated, says Rupiah
Written by Chibaula Silwamba
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 2:04:37 PM

CORRUPTION is a scourge that must be eliminated, President Rupiah Banda declared yesterday. Speaking at State House when he met the US government's Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) delegation, which is in the country to negotiate with the Zambian government on the Compact Assistance Agreement, President Banda expressed his gratitude to the MCC for its support to fight administrative corruption through funding under the threshold project.

"The [threshold] project also strengthened the capacity of the government's Anti Corruption Commission to lead efforts to prevent administrative corruption, to implement the national corruption plan," President Banda said. "I must add here that this is the scourge which we must fight to eliminate. Corruption has the capacity to undo all the progress we have so far gained."

President Banda said he was pleased to note that Zambia's commitment to good governance and its dedication to promoting economic freedom and effort to reduce poverty had been recognised by the MCC.

"Zambia, I understand, is now among the 19 countries in Africa that are eligible for the Millennium Challenge Corporation assistance since December 2008," he said. "I am aware your Excellency that Zambia just completed the threshold agreement worth about US$22.7 million."

President Banda said the fruits of the threshold project had already started to be seen.

"I am sure you have seen that this has already borne fruits through the successful launch of the new Patents and Companies Registration Office (PACRO) customer service centre. Because of that it takes only a day to register a company," President Banda said. "At ZRA the threshold project has reduced the time it takes to register for value added certificate. In addition the capacity to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of border management has been improved.

"I understand your mission this time is to consult with the Zambian government on the development of the compact assistance agreement which will facilitate the provision of a grant through the MCC. I hope and trust that the consultations will not be subject to lengthy consultations of deliberations between the two governments."

President Banda said the government was in a hurry to implement projects that would assist Zambia address some of the country's problems such as infrastructure.

"Such projects would help address the major effects of the global crisis. As you are aware a drop in prices of commodities in particular copper has presented us with serious challenges," said President Banda. "I understand, you asked to me with key economic sector ministries today in order to explain the process of developing a Compact Assistance Agreement."

And MCC deputy vice-president Darius Teter hoped the Compact Assistance Agreement would help Zambia in the time of the global economic crisis.

"Zambia joins a very strong family of MCC partners and we very much look forward to working with all of you to develop a compact that will stimulate economic growth, create jobs and result in real income in people's pockets," Teter said. "We believe strongly in the principle of country ownership; we expect our development partners to take the lead in the development efforts."

He said the MCC would also consult the civil society.

"I do hope that we can satisfy your urgent need for assistance in particular in the time of the current economic crisis in the world," said Teter.

And US Ambassador to Zambia Donald Booth said the Compact Assistance Agreement would be very beneficial for Zambia to diversify its economy particularly during the time when the world was experiencing the economic meltdown.

Labels: CORRUPTION, MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 2:02 PM