Sata's stance on corruption cheers Chifungula

Sata's stance on corruption cheers Chifungula
By Moses Kuwema
Mon 24 Oct. 2011, 10:00 CAT

AUDITOR General Anna Chifungula says she is elated and energised with President Michael Sata's pronouncements and commitment to the fight against corruption. In an interview, Chifungula hoped that the wastage of public resources, which the country had witnessed in the past would come to an end.

"I'm actually elated and very energised because it is very frustrating especially for my officers, they go out and do the work then at the end of the day they see nothing being done and even laughed at. Some of them who are unfortunate they are even threatened, beaten up and nothing gets done," said Chifungula last week.

"But with that kind of political will, I think that's one we need and it has come at the right time. We are very happy for these changes. I'm sure a lot of people had despondency but they are seeing the action that is being taken because actions really speak louder than words. I'm very pleased, I'm very happy for this government."

Chifungula said political will was always important because most the culprits cited in the Auditor General's reports were appointed by the President and some of them even tend to hide behind him in their wrongdoing.

She said such people would no longer have that kind of shield and would therefore be forced to account for the funds they misappropriate.

"We expect at least some kind of action being taken on their part because inertia will not be allowed. Most of them, you would send a report and they don't even bother to look at it. because they know nothing will happen to them but I don't think it will be the same now so they will actually sit up and make sure that they deal with those issues," Chifungula said.

"That is why I'm saying it is very encouraging for us because we know that at least for every kwacha that is funded somewhere, there are chances that it will be put to good use. It is something that we should also capitalise on by increasing our audit coverage and making sure that any wastage of public funds, where it is happening, we bring it to the attention of controlling officers so that they also take immediate action."

She said the audit report on the roads had revealed that trillions of monies had gone to waste through paying imprest to companies that were not even entitled to it.

And Chifungula said her office was in the process of preparing a number of forensic audits at institutions such as Zesco and National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA).

"We do have a report already on Zesco and we do have one already on NAPSA but now in the light of some of the evidence that has come up, we need to update them. Since we have not yet released the findings that is very helpful to the investigative wings to follow up," said Chifungula.