By David Kapoma
I made a commitment to read all the 419 pages of the latest report from the auditor general. The report must be the most eccentric document produced by the auditor general. Highlights and shocking figures in the report include but not limited to;
- The unretired accountable imprest for 2015 and 2016 look almost the same as if they are figures of the same year report.
- Irregular payments increased in 2015 to K 115,350,860 compared to 2014 which had only K 26,358,488.
- Amounts related to the failure to follow procurement procedures increased to K 35,701,492 in 2015 from only K 2,720,434 in 2014.
- Undelivered materials shockingly increased to an amazing K 251, 523,804 in 2015 from as low as K 522,904 in 2014. 5. Wasteful expenditure increased to K 39,854, 959 in 2015 from K 8,354,290 in 2014.
With the evidence above, I am sure I will not be wrong to conclude that the 2015 Auditor Generals’ report stinks corruption.
It is human to make mistakes in life as human beings. Even at individual level we make mistakes, some of them very costly and dangerous to our lives but the biggest mistake of all is to keep repeating the same mistakes. We must begin holding those we have entrusted with public funds accountable and ensure that funds are recovered. The bible in the book of Ezekiel 33:15 says “If the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has taken by robbery (theft), and walks in the statutes of life, not doing injustice, he shall surely live; he shall not die.”
The report indicate and prove that the government is loudly silent on the matters to do with fighting corruption and when they happen to react it’s all but lip service or even cosmetic approach. Because of this, corruption has since become a culture in our country. This is despite the fact that corruption is manifesting itself as the greatest enemy to humanity. To imagine that we get money on loan only to be misused in the manner described in the report under review is very unfortunate. Corruption will soon become the 21st century profession in Zambia, considering the rate, form and shape at which it is obtaining.
It is unimaginable for a country whose national budget is less than the Coca Cola Company expenditure on advertising alone to engage is such levels of misuse of funds by government. As a matter of fact, Zambia is currently in need of money, our treasury has no money to run the economy effectively. With the evidence presented in the report, we can only conclude that corruption is one of the major factors why the country is where it is today. Corruption, hinders sustainable development and must be tussled at all cost before its too late.
The fight against corruption in Zambia does not only need commitment from the government but a generation that is committed to wiping out the scourge
Corruption is principally a governance issue, a challenge to Zambia and a matter of urgency. The solution in fighting corruption does not entirely rest on punishing the offenders. The biggest problem is the financial management systems available in the different government departments and ministries. We must admit that we have weak and or poor systems in place. Weak system in institutions tempt the people working in there. Having proper systems in place means protecting the workers and also reduces chances of those implementing different projects from being corrupt.
We must quickly realise that corruption is one of the major obstacles in achieving sustainable development and its intricacy in manifestation and prevalence, makes it a salient element to address in order to achieve sustainable development. That said, the government must through the relevant authorities start working on developing financial management systems that will not only make it difficult for corruption to take place but also protect the workers who are currently exposed to the vice. Pushing for sustainable development without addressing core issues to do with corruption will produce results similar to that of a pretty girl with failed romance.
God bless Zambia.
“…report indicate and prove that the government is loudly silent on the matters to do with fighting corruption…”
They are the perpetrators of corruption why would they blow trumpets about combating it?
There you have it. The high cost of Dununa Republic ways.
I think we already have systems and institutions that are supposed to fight corruption. The only problem is that the current authorities are deeply rooted in corruption and so don’t support the systems. In short, there is no political will because the head is already rotten.
ECL says query the agencies responsible for investigating, prosecuting and arresting not him ….as he said that is why they are funded its not up to him to tell them what to do …. hehehehe!
If the wings are not doing anything then show leadership and fight corruption
AND WHEN WE COMMENT THAT THIS GOVERNMENT IS CORRUPT, FULL OF THIEVES AND LOOTERS YOU THINK WE ARE CRAZY. HERE NOW IS EVIDENCE FOR YOU. THIS IS THE CORRUPTION WE DON’T WANT IN OUR COUNTRY. HOW CAN OUR COUNTRY DEVELOP WITH SUCH CORRUPT AND SELFISH LEADERS IN OFFICE?
Well with our current leaders leading our parties how can we win an election when we embrace people who are part of that corruption all in the name of votes. Didn’t we know Maroads, Kilometer, Bashinono, Zambia Shall be free, Guy wachikoti, GBM, katrousers, Mulenga Sata etc are all part of the eating party? Yet we lifted them shoulder high at our press conferences…Our current leadership is not inspiring they wouldn’t make a difference the only thing that would change is maybe we will all wear orange instead of green…wake up members HH has only one focus Plot 1 at all costs this is a no no no…let him find time to address the party lets go for a convention he will be walloped…this fake court business is a non-starter and he knows it
The report clearly indicts the govt as a criminal organisation. If any one imagines there will be mass arrests and imprisonments of the culprits that person is alien to Zambia. Nothing will happen because every body is in on it. It’s like a snake trying to eat itself. The report has already pinpointed the culprits and all it needs is for enforcement agencies to move in and make arrests and begin prosecutions. No need for further investigations and wasting more money.
When I say this is a lazy and reckless govt of empty tins its not an insult…the average cadre will not understand any of this..he/she would rather dance; how can one justify increases when such waste and theft remains unchecked…its likened to running a shop and not doing anything about shoplifters among your own staff.
Simply look at the few comments here…they would rather comment on useless issues!!
I am sure that missing contributors are busy organizing “protest march” to the office of Auditor General
Ba Kapoma,you’ve aptly laid out your case and subtly given a possible cure to this cancer: strengthened fiscal measures. But sadly this will never happen in this country, what with the type of leadership being shoved in our mouths. Now I understand why the public protector in south africa had to outsource auditors just to prove that Zuma has been stealing public funds.
This is Africa indeed. Progressive civilisations are looking at how to make more energy efficient machines, green energy, nanotechnology, biotechnology, space travel. Here we are still struggling with the basics… Zambia is like a student failing to get right an arithmetic problem when it should be solving calculus. This is very disappointing.
Our biggest problem as Africans is the lack of values, starting from the president to the person on the streets. We deserve the leaders we get. We should never aspire for anything great as africans because it is too much to ask.We deserve to wallow in poverty all the days of our lives. As you read this post may it serve as a mirror for your reflection. All to often you are looking at others with a telescope be honest and use a microscope to examine your values. You are the reason we have a useless government.
Typical of African Leaders! This is unjustifiable shameless joke kind of report. All the time its stealing! Y? Wen will pipo learn to poket wat they earn? So sad!