Auditor General Dr. Dick Sichembe says his office will be more aggressive and bold in protecting public funds from being abused.
Dr. Sichembe says his office is mandated to foster transparency, accountability and prudence in the management of public resources and will not relent to protect tax payers money.
Speaking during a sensitisation workshop for controlling officers in Lusaka today, Dr. Sichembe said the training will help Permanent Secretaries and other controlling officers to stop the abuse of public funds.
He said most of the audit queries in the Report of the Auditor General can be avoided if controlling officers follow the laid down procedures in financial management.
And Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa said it is regrettable that financial irregularities continue appearing in successive reports of the Auditor General.
Mr. Kangwa said his office will support the Office of the Auditor General to protect public funds from abuse.
He warned civil servants who will be found wanting in abusing public funds that they will not be spared.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee Chairperson Hon. Warren Mwambazi MP said controlling officers have a responsibility to ensure that they avoid audit queries.
Hon. Mwambazi, who is also Bwana Mkubwa Member of Parliament, said challenges in public finance management must be cleared so that public funds are protected.
The workshop attracted all Permanent Secretaries and Chairpersons from Commissions and Heads of Procurement from Government agencies.
Credit: ZNBC https://www.facebook.com/znbctoday
