Maravi

Zulu complains of insufficient funding to ACC

Zulu complains of insufficient funding to ACC
By Mwala Kalaluka
Sat 17 Dec. 2011, 13:57 CAT

THE allocation of funds to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has continued to be far insufficient to enable the Commission perform its functions, says justice minister Sebastian Zulu.

Giving a policy statement during consideration of the K60 billion 2012 budgetary allocation to the ACC in Parliament yesterday, Zulu said increased funding would enhance the anti-graft fight.

Zulu said the PF remained committed and dedicated to curb corruption through the injection of political will and collective effort from stakeholders.

"There has been notable improvement in the perception of the levels of corruption in Zambia," Zulu said. "The budget allocation for the Commission for the year 2012 is K60 billion against K55 billion in 2011...the allocation of funds to the Commission has continued to be far insufficient."

Zulu assured that the PF government would adhere to its manifesto to ensure that corruption and impropriety were rooted out in the public sector.

"Zambia has for a long time suffered from damaging effects of corruption," Zulu said.

"We are committed to promoting good governance in the public sector. To show our commitment to deal with this vice, we have, from the onset sent a very strong message to all perpetrators that the time to act has come and the time is now."

Zulu said there would be no sacrificial lambs in the fight against corruption and this was the reason the PF government decided to resuscitate the repealed Section 37 of the ACC Act, which was removed by the MMD government.

Zulu said to this end, initiatives to prevent and detect corrupt trends at public institutions like the Road Development Agency and the Ministry of Health would be put in place.

"Oversight institutions will be strengthened to enable them provide checks and balances," Zulu said.

"The fight against corruption requires not only strong and vibrant leadership but also requires concerted effort from all institutions and Zambian citizens."

Zulu called on the nation to build ethical values so that ordinary Zambians do not wallow in poverty because of a few selfish individuals.

Zulu said it was sophisticated to fight corruption because perpetrators bury their tracks.

Labels: ACC, BUDGET, CORRUPTION

posted by MrK @ 9:27 PM