Zambia’s enactment of financial Act important step – USAID

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says Zambia’s recent enactment of the public financial management Act is an important step in the right direction.

Speaking during the official launch of the USAID Accountable Governance for Improved Service Delivery (AGIS) Project in Lusaka, USAID Zambia Mission Director Patrick Diskin says this highlights a strong commitment to enhance government effectiveness, impede waste of public resources, and build citizens’ confidence in government’s public service delivery.

Mr Diskin has noted the need for the efficient and transparent use of financial resources, adding that there is also need to focus on both resource mobilization and utilization.

He states that when taxpayers question how their resources are being used, government workers need to demonstrate that funds are used effectively.

Mr Diskin says evidence of poor accountability and corruption from reports such as the Auditor General’s shows that more work needs to be done in tracking the limited resources and ensuring that they reach the front lines of public service delivery.

Speaking at the same event, Secretary to the Cabinet, Dr. Rowland Msiska said the government is making frantic efforts in reducing public resources wastage by coming up with laws aimed at strengthening the public financial management system.

And Ministry of General Education Permanent Secretary, Dr. Felix Phiri said the program will help his ministry in minimizing resource wastage as it promotes transparency and accountability.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary in-charge of Administration, Dr. Kennedy Malama said his ministry will ensure there is smart investment in the health sector as it is one of the key sectors that promote sustainable human development.