(LUSAKATIMES) Auditor General concerned about suspected pilfering at border posts

Auditor General concerned about suspected pilfering at border posts
Monday, June 15, 2009, 14:48

Auditor General Anna Chifungula has said collection of revenue and tax at border posts around the country is undermined by suspected pilfering.

Ms. Chifungula said border points had potential to collect more revenue for government and gave an example of Kazungula border post which enhanced its revenue collection from US $80, 000 to US $500, 000 per month.

She however called on authorities at border posts to improve their record keeping systems which she said were not impressive.

Ms. Chifungula said this when she paid a courtesy call on Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe at his office this morning.

And Ms. Chifungula has expressed disappointment at the state of the Maramba Stadium where K100 million was allegedly spent on rehabilitation works saying there was no evidence that the money was spent to improve the stadium.

She was also dissatisfied with how works at the Maramba Cultural village had been conducted saying it was unfortunate for K1.2 billion to be spent on a structure that was not yet completed even after using three different contractors.

Ms. Chifungula also condemned the idea of introducing mobile clinics especially in rural areas since some newly constructed clinics and houses for medical personnel were still vacant in areas like Lukulu, Sesheke and Kaoma districts.

She said it was unfortunate for government to spend public resources and build clinics which lacked medical facilities with some being managed by unqualified personnel, one year after completion.

Ms. Chifungula called on Zambians to be aware of how public resources are spent and report any mismanagement to relevant authorities instead of waiting for audit reports from her office.

Meanwhile, Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe has said that there is need to make a distinction between corruption and outright theft of resources within the public sector.

Mr. Munkombwe said corruption was increasingly being confused with theft and fraud and stressed the need for a distinction to be made for people to appreciate the consequences of being involved in these vices.

He said it was imperative for the fight against corruption not to have any sacred cows as this would encourage workers to be straightforward and adhere to the right principles.

Mr. Munkombwe commended the Auditor General for the work she had done in exposing corrupt activities and for being exemplary and adequately representing womenfolk in Zambia and Africa in general.

The Auditor General toured Katima Mulilo border post in Shesheke in Western Province, and Kazungula and Victoria Falls Border posts in Southern Province to check on revenue collections.

She also checked various infrastructure built using government funds and has since proceeded to Choma for the same exercise.
ZANIS