TIZ hails Lungu

Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has welcomed the policy pronouncements and commitment made by the Republican President Edgar Lungu that the PF Government will continue with the fight against corruption.

TIZ has noted that President Lungu in his speech during the official opening of the fifth session of the eleventh national assembly on 18th September, 2015,reaffirmed that he will not protect any public officers involved and found wanting in corrupt practices.

Executive Director Goodwell Lungu in a statements says while TIZ welcomes the commitment pronouncement from President Lungu in fighting corruption, it is their hope that this statement will be translated into appropriate, visible and tangible action by the public service and law enforcement agencies that seem to be going on a business-as-usual approach.

Mr Lungu says TIZ hopes that such major pronouncements will result in the public service sealing all the loopholes which have manifested themselves in the loss of millions of unaccounted for public funds which are well documented in a number of reports including the Auditor Generals Reports.

He states that it is further gratifying that President Lungu has committed himself not to interfere with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) operations which TIZ hopes the ACC will take advantage of and deal with all cases of corruption especially those involving senior government officials without fear.

Mr Lungu adds that TIZ further wishes to commend the President for abolishing the building of presidential houses starting with himself.

He says TIZ feels President Lungu has demonstrated a good sense of saving public resources although this move has been watered down by the creation of five more ministries.