Maravi

Government must work on corruption prevention - envoy

Government must work on corruption prevention - envoy
By Kabanda Chulu
Tue 27 Dec. 2011, 13:50 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata's government should not just focus at correcting mistakes made by the previous MMD regime but must introduce a better system to prevent new corruption cases, says Norwegian Ambassador to Zambia Arve Ofstad. Commenting on the performance of the PF government, Ambassador Ofstad said the new government promised to make a difference within 90 days.

"But we all know that normally it takes more time for a new government to implement new policies so we are still waiting to see full implementation of all its programmes," Ambassador Ofstad said, in an interview.

"But you asking me what I have seen so far, I have seen two or three things which I think are very positive and the most important thing is, the anti-corruption campaigns… every effort used in that direction we hope this will continue not only in terms of correcting what mistakes have been done in the past but also a better system must be introduced so that it does not happen again to the same extent."

He said preventing new cases of corruption was important as well as strengthening oversight institutions such as Anti Corruption Commission and the Office of the Auditor General.

"The new government should also ensure that government officials no longer accept bribes and procurement systems should be open at all times and should be accessible and can be checked and there must be a few exceptions to changing of rules but so far government is in right direction," Ambassador Ofstad said.

"The other thing I think is important and it is in the budget, is making available resources to districts. It is a positive direction because it will help in the fight against poverty reduction."

On the areas of cooperation with Zambia, Ambassador Ofstad said Norway had been providing development aid to Zambia for more than 40 years.

"This this time we want to focus on two or three programmes, that is, budget support which we provide directly to the government and collaborating with local institutions that handles financial management and anti corruption work so that money meant for government is not misused but put to good use so we are working with ZRA, OAG (Office of the Auditor General), Central Bank, these are crucial institutions to manage the flow of money and resources into government system," he said.

"Another area we are strongly involved in is agriculture. We want to reduce effects of climate change by supporting conservation agriculture. It is not a major system in Zambia but it is growing and it will ensure good harvest for farmers regardless of climate changes and we also support wildlife conservation with national parks."

Ambassador Ofstad also expressed happiness that parks are better managed with increased animal protection and enhanced biodiversity hence bringing income to the country and its people.

Labels: CORRUPTION

posted by MrK @ 4:32 PM