Corruption has deprived the needy of development, says Engwase

Corruption has deprived the needy of development, says Engwase
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Sun 25 Dec. 2011, 13:56 CAT

CORRUPTION in Zambia has hampered efforts to bring development to those that need it the most, says NGOCC.

Commenting on Irish Ambassador to Zambia Tony Cotter's statement last week where he urged the government to continue improving and strengthening public financial management and procurement systems to ensure accountability and aid effectiveness, NGOCC executive director Engwase Mwale said it was important for all Zambians to work towards development.

Mwale said there was need to ensure that development was targeted at the poor constitute the majority.

"In supporting the Irish Ambassador, we also want to reiterate that corruption in Zambia had indeed to a large extent eluded our efforts to bring development to those that need it the most especially in ensuring that resources are directly targeted at the needy," she said.

"So it is therefore our expectation that the government heeds the advice from the Irish Ambassador by immediately instituting measures that would strengthen the financial management systems of our country…."

She called on the government to take up its leadership role, especially in the fight against corruption.

"…Because in many situations, corruption takes away the much needed resources which should really be enhancing the livelihoods of the majority," she said.

Mwale also said it was the women's movement expectations that whatever was going to be highlighted in the Auditor General's report would be followed up by the government.

Ambassador Cotter last week said while Ireland was satisfied with the way its aid had been used to date, measures should continue to be taken by the government to improve and strengthen public financial management and procurement systems to ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable benefit from Zambia's economic growth.

He said Ireland's future support to Zambia would focus on poverty reduction, particularly among the most vulnerable groups of women and children.

Ambassador Cotter observed that despite the positive economic growth the country had experienced in the recent years, Zambia still remained one of the poorest countries in the world.