Lusaka, Zambia
In the continued efforts to curb corrupt activities in Zambia, Transparency International has today launched a project dubbed Strengthening Accountability Networks among Civil Society projects in Zambia.
This project focuses on Public Finance Management, including the prudent use of public resources and accountability as well as promoting public participation in policy and budget processes in Zambia.
These issues have been central to Transparency International Zambia Chapters’ work of promoting transparency, accountability and integrity in Zambia´s processes and institutions of governance.
Speaking at the official launch, TI-Z Executive Director Maurice Nyambe emphasized the critical importance of information in transparency and accountability in public finance management underscores the role of the media as a key stakeholder in this equation.
“It is our hope that the SANCUS project will work to address some of these challenges and foster improved public finance management in the country. The project’s main goal is to strengthen public participation, consultations as well as oversight in policy and budget cycles and it will be implemented through a three-pronged approach of network building, vertical accountability and horizontal accountabilities” he said.
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Mr. Nyambe also acknowledged the role of the media to influence the level of public awareness on issues surrounding budget processes and public finance management.
“Therefore, in the context of the SANCUS project that we are launching today, we will work with the media to ensure that the narrative around public finance management is relevant and well packaged for public consumption.
The project will be implemented at national level and sub nationally in six districts: Chipata, Petauke and Katete in Eastern Province, Choma and Livingstone in Southern Province and Mongu in Western Province.
The Executive Director reiterated TI-Z’s commitment as TI-Z to promoting multi stakeholder collaboration to improve public participation in budget processes in Zambia.
“I further re-emphasize our commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability in public finance management in the country to better the lives of all citizens” he said.
The launch was graced by the Deputy Auditor General, Mr Francis Mbewe who represented Auditor General, Dr Dick Sichembe. He reassured members of the public of its commitment to working with civil society organisations such as TI-Z as well as other stakeholders to promote integrity and accountability in public finance management.
“It is our sincere hope that this project, which is focusing on strengthening accountability networks among civil society, will succeed in promoting public participation, consultation as well as oversight in policy and budget processes. Our office is committed to working with the project towards achieving its objectives” he said.
Meanwhile, Centre for Trade Policy Development Executive Director Issac Mwaipopo is confident that the launch of the SANCUS project will yield desired results.
