PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu says his government will not tolerate corruption.
Speaking when he ceremonially opened the Fifth Session of Parliament on Friday morning, the President stressed that fighting corruption in all its forms was key to promoting good governance and achieving sustainable socio-economic development.
“My government acknowledges that fighting corruption in all its forms is key to promoting good governance and achieving sustainable socio-economic development. This government will not tolerate corruption,” President Lungu.
“Any individual found wanting by the courts of law would not enjoy any protection from this government. It does not matter which political party you belong to or your social status; the law will be applied equally to all those found wanting.”
He said the PF government has continued to strengthen and roll out the integrity committee initiative aimed at ensuring the prevention of corruption in both public and private institutions.
The President told Parliament that there are currently 94 integrity committees, compared to 48 in 2016.
He said most of those integrity committees were in public institutions.
To enhance transparency and accountability, President Lungu directed all controlling officers in government ministries, provinces and spending agencies to ensure that integrity committees in their institutions were operational, supported and effective.
“It is for this reason that integrity committees have been included as a principle feature in the performance contracts of permanent secretaries,” said President Lungu.
“I also urge private institutions to embrace the good practice of establishing integrity committees and ensuring that they prevent corruption before it occurs. It is also important to ensure procurement practices are above board to avoid over-pricing and other procurement malpractices.”
©Kalemba September 14, 2020
