The United States Agency International Development (USAID) says the financial resources from both the Zambian Government and the USAID need to be spent efficiently and transparently.
Speaking during the official launch of the USAID Accountable Governance for Improved Service Delivery (AGIS) Project in Lusaka, USAID Zambia Mission Director Patrick Diskin said there is also need to focus both on resource mobilization and resource utilization.
Mr. Diskin says when taxpayers question how their resources are being used government workers need to demonstrate that funds are used effectively.
He says evidence of poor accountability and corruption from reports such as the Auditor General shows that more work need to be done in tracking the limited resources and ensuring that they reach the front lines of public service delivery.
Mr. Diskin says Zambia’s recent enactment of the public financial management act is an important step in the right direction and highlights a strong commitment to enhance government effectiveness, impede waste of public resources, and build citizens’ confidence in government’s public service delivery.
Speaking at the same event, Secretary to Cabinet Dr. Rowland Msiska said the government of Zambia is making frantic efforts in reducing public resources wastage by coming up with laws aimed at strengthening 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 transparence and accountability.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary in charge of Administration Dr. Kennedy Malama pledged that 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.