Zambia ranked among least countries in providing infor

Zambia has been ranked among the least countries in providing its citizens with information on how public funds are used.

The latest open budget survey results for 2017 conducted in 115 in countries across six continents indicate that Zambia only scored 8 out of 100 in transparency of open budget index, 15 out of 100 in terms of public participation and 48 in terms of budget oversight.

Speaking during the dissemination of the 2017 OBS country report at stakeholders meeting in Lusaka, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflections Programs Manager Faith Kalondawanga attributed the score of 8 out of 100 in transparency of the open budget index to the fact that Zambia provides the public with scanty budget information.

Mrs. Kalondawanga further attributes the 15 out of 100 score in terms of public participation to Zambia providing few opportunities for the public to engage in the budget process.

She states that the scoring of 48 out of 100 in terms of budget oversight is due to the fact that the legislature and supreme audit institutions in Zambia provide limited oversight of the budget.

Ms Kalondawanga says JCTR recommends that government publishes an executive budget proposal on the ministry of finance’s website, produces a pre-budget statement online as well as ensure that future versions of the citizens’ budget and end of year reports are published online and made available at the Government printers in a timely manner.

The Open Budget Survey 2017 is a culmination of a collaborative research process in which the International Budget Partnership (IBP) worked with civil society partners in 115 countries over a period of 18 months, and is the 6th round of OBS which is typically conducted biennially.

Earlier rounds were completed in 2006,2008,2010 when Zambia scored 36, 2012 when the score was 4 and 2015 when the country scored 39.