The Foundation for Democratic Process has expressed outrage at the levels of misappropriation of pubic funds, as revealed by the 2015 Auditor general’s report.
The audit report for the financial year ended 30th September 2015 has been published and it shows colossal amounts of money that have not been accounted for.
The audit report shows unaccounted for expenditure amounting to K349 million, ranking the highest irregularity followed by undelivered materials at 251 million kwacha.
FODEP says the report makes sad reading for an “ailing” economy like that of Zambia.
In a statement, FODEP executive director Chimfwembe Mweenge says the large amounts of public funds that have not been accounted for is worrying and has a sad bearing on the growth of democracy in as far as transparency and accountability is concerned.
Mweenge belives the enactment of the Access to Information Bill will go a long way in curbing the abuse of public funds.
“Strong checks and balances in public expenditure can enhance and actualise sustainable development. This is why as FODEP, we implore government, particularly the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services to realise that the access to information Bill once enacted in law would boost citizen’s vigilance on public finances and plans,” Mweenge said.
“Misappropriation and corruption of public finances are vices that operate in an opaque environment. Therefore, if the access to information bill was passed into law, there would be fewer or no wastage and misapplication of public funds as witnessed by the increasing trend of abuse of public finances as revealed by the Auditor General’s report.”
He notes that the latest Auditor General’s report indicates a trend of increased irregularities in payments from 26 million kwacha in 2014 to 115 million kwacha in 2015.
Mweenge stressed that the Patrotic Front (PF) government stands to benefit if the access to information bill is enacted into law as it will empower citizens to demand implementation of budgets and plans in a transparent.
“The government must appreciate the significance of the access to information bill and not view it as a tool for the promulgation of opposition political party interests,” he said.