Given the current corruption trends and government policy direction, the conference was held under the theme: “Steering the fight Against Corruption towards Public Procurement.”
The overall objective of the 2022 ZACC was to facilitate stakeholder engagement and constructive dialogue on possible interventions aimed at steering the fight against corruption towards Public Procurement.
Speaking during a session dubbed: “Resolving Financial Irregularities relating to Public Procurement,” Mr. Mbewe stated that for the public procurement irregularities to be resolved an Anti-corruption culture needed to be inculcated.
He said this should arise from a strong tone at the top which aims to uphold the rule of law, supporting oversight institutions and shielding no wrong doers regardless who they may be.
The Deputy Auditor General Audits also intimated that formulation, adoption and monitoring of codes of ethics and conduct remained crucial if public procurement irregularities were to be resolved.
He has called for the sensitising of various players in the value chain on their roles and their potential to either prevent or encourage corruption.
“The separation of responsibilities between a policy maker and a policy implementor should always be observed. Employing and appointing personnel to the civil service on merit, that is, those that possess sound character and are competent to perform their duties is key. This helps them to advise and caution effectively when there is risk of fraudulent procurement,” Mr. Mbewe stated.
He also called for punitive action against perpetrators of such vices to deter would be perpetrators.
CREDIT : Office of the Auditor General Zambia
