Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Nathan Chanda
The Luanshya Municipal Council has completed the formulation of the Gifts and Benefits Policy and the Consumer Service Charter which will soon be enforced after they are adopted by the Full Council Meeting.
The two recently crafted policy documents whose formulation is based on locally and internationally accepted corporate governance norms and the country’s anti corruption laws will be subjected to the relevant Council Committees for consideration before they are taken to the Full Council for adoption.
Luanshya Mayor Nathan Chanda says the purpose of this policy is to provide adequate guidance on the procedures on effective and efficient service provision apart from addressing complications involving the receiving of gifts and benefits in the name of the institution by employees and agencies of Luanshya Municipal Council without disclosure which may amount to corruption .
Mr. Chanda says once the Gifts and Benefits Policy is fully implemented Council employees and Councillors would be deemed unethical if they are found soliciting for any reward, gift, favour, hospitality, benefit or gratification, directly or indirectly, including to any close family member, partner or associate of that Council official or employee from any person who has any business or dealings with the Council department in which he or she is employed.
He explains that the provision of the Gift and Benefit Policy among other states that a Council employee or elected official who is offered or receives any gift or benefit in the name of the council must within 24 hours period report to his or her supervisor.
He furthermore explains that a Council officer or official will be required to make a declaration to the Integrity Committee and make an entry into the Council’s Gifts and Benefits Register before a decision is made whether to allow the official or officer to take the gift or have it forfeited to the Council which would in turn use it or donate to any institution within the District.