Ministry of local government has urged Directors of Finance and Council Treasurers to adhere to provisions of the Public Finance Management Act in order to avoid misapplication of public funds.
Local Government Permanent Secretary Bishop Eddie Chomba has observed that Public resources have not been properly accounted for, following failure by Local Authorities to provide adequate information to auditors.
Bishop Chomba emphasized the need for Town Clerks and Council Secretaries to take keen interest in audits by ensuring that necessary information required by auditors is provided within the stipulated time.
“I am urging the Town Clerks and Council Secretaries to take keen interest in the audits and also ensure that all the information required by the auditors is provided within the stipulated time.” He said.
He said Financial Statements and Accounting records will be audited using Public Finance Management Act No.1 of 2018.
“Provision of information to External Auditors as and when they require is a must as Section 82 of the Act may not be too kind for those who will ignore the advice.
Bishop Chomba also noted that the many financial challenges of councils are facing can only be alleviated when principal officers put more effort in revenue collection.
“Ensure that Revenue Management systems are put in place that would prevent issues of theft, delayed and non-banking of Revenue.” He said
Bishop Chomba was speaking after inspecting developmental projects in Ndola.