Donors more willing to fund Zambia, says Danish envoy

Donors more willing to fund Zambia, says Danish envoy
By Kombe Chimpinde
Mon 17 Oct. 2011, 13:10 CAT

DONORS will be more willing to fund Zambia following the new government's commitment to fight corruption, says Danish Ambassador to Zambia Thomas Schjerbeck. In an interview, Ambassador Schjerbeck said the Danish government was encouraged by the new PF government's resolve to stamp out corruption in the country.

"I am encouraged with everything President Sata has said up to now and also I have noticed his ministers are addressing the issue of corruption at almost all occasions, to ensure that the efforts of governments are not weakened by corruption going on," Ambassador Schjerbeck said.

"This is really one reason for hope for all Zambians that now you have a strong hand on corruption and that's also for the donors and cooperating partners. This is important in the sense that if corruption is combated, there will be more money for Zambia. The donors will be much more willing to help Zambia if they feel that their money is well spent."

He said if corruption was successfully tackled to minimum levels, Zambia would save more money, which would be channelled to poverty reduction programmes.

"I am also anxious to see how they will implement the previous government's Sixth National Development Plan through addressing the country's priorities," he said.

Some donors to the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in August last year stopped payments to the Zambian government over alleged corruption at the Ministry of Health.

Some of the plundered money, about US$8 million, is still being paid back to the Global Fund.

And Ambassador Schjebeck said Zambia was a showpiece of the African continent following the peaceful and mature manner in which political power was transferred.

Ambassador Schjerbeck said countries which were still striving for true democracy should learn from Zambia.

"It Zambia is a showpiece to other African countries. I think it's important for African leaders to concede defeat when they are defeated and respect the wishes of the people," said Ambassador Schjerbeck.

"That can only happen if the electoral process is well conducted and monitored and one which does not leave room for doubt. There is no reason why an incumbent should not accept defeat."