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Secretary to the Cabinet Dr. Rowland Msiska
Secretary to the Cabinet Rowland Msiska says government is walking the talk in the fight against corruption.
Dr. Msiska says government is doing this by institutionalizing the fight against corruption through the formation of integrity committees in both public and private sector institutions.
Speaking in Lusaka when he officially opened a workshop on the establishment of the construction sector Anti- Corruption Advisory Forum (CACAF), Dr. Msiska has advised all stakeholders in Zambia to stop the blame game, but instead give the forward on corruption.
Dr. Msiska has also reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement institutions particularly the Anti-Corruption Commission to be better equipped to indentify, prevent and prosecute corruption incidences in the country.
He further implored all Zambians to get involved in the fight against corruption.
In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, Dr, Msiska has expressed concern that there is no platform on which the various stakeholders can meet to discuss and share information and knowledge on Anti-Corruption activities and measures in the construction sector.
Speaking at the same event, Transparency International Zambia Chapter President Reuben Lifuka has observed that cadreism has transformed into another cancerous form of corruption where it has become a norm that political party cadres should be given construction contracts regardless of their ability to service the contracts.
Mr. Lifuka says there is lack of transparency in the awarding of contracts and the operating environment of the construction industry.
Meanwhile, University of Zambia Vice Chancellor Professor Luke Mumba says a study by the University of Zambia has revealed that the involvement of the community and other stakeholders is critical in fighting corruption thus the need for the forum.
Professor Mumba says the Anti-Corruption Forum is a partnership of all well meaning institutions and people that abhor corruption.
He says the Forum will also act as a source of expert opinions on the issues of procurement in the construction sector.