Government, through the Ministry of National Development Planning says it is establishing the Public Investment Management System to ensure that major projects are appraised before implementation in an effort to maximise benefits to the citizens and prudent use of public resources.

Acting Secretary to the Cabinet Christopher Mvunga says an efficient Public Investment Management System will strengthen the way projects are developed, conceptualised, appraised, budgeted for, implemented, monitored and evaluated.

Mr Mvunga says through the PIM process, standardised guidelines and procedures were being developed to guide institutions across the Government in the preparation of investment projects.

“The purpose of our meeting today is to consider what is being proposed as the procedures and guidelines for Public Investment Management for Zambia. The engagement of senior officers in Government at this stage is critical to ensure that your feedback and comments are considered and taken on board as the guidelines are being finalised,” Mr Mvunga said.

He says Government recognises the challenges that exist in the way public investment projects are managed, adding that one clear manifestation of the challenge was in the number of projects being implemented at the same time.

“Given the limited resources available to Government, it will take a very long time to complete these projects. There is, therefore, a clear need for Government to improve the way public investment projects are managed from identification to implementation and operation,” said Mr. Mvunga, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Finance and Economic Development).

He says one way of achieving efficient use of public resources was through an efficient Public Investment Management System.

He adds that Government is committed to strengthen transparency, accountability and effectiveness in the utilisation of the limited national resources.

Mr Mvunga further says Government also announced the establishment of the Public Investment Board (PIB) to scrutinise capital expenditures before consideration by Cabinet.

Mr. Mvunga was speaking when he officiated at the Permanent Secretaries’ sensitisation meeting on Public Investment Management (PIM) Guidelines for Zambia.

And Ministry of National Development Planning (Development Cooperation, Monitoring and Evaluation) Permanent Secretary Mushuma Mulenga says the PIMS would ensure that the Government receives value for money, and over time, sustained economic growth and development from each project that is implemented.

“Draft Public Investment Management guidelines have also been developed and, therefore, there is need for government to consult relevant stakeholders to ensure that the guidelines are acceptable and usable,” said Mr. Mulenga.