We are happy with #ACC announcement that it takes very seriously the comments & views of the public on matters relating to the fight against corruption because it is aware that the public’s & national interests are at the core of its very existence. #42for42 #Zambia #Ask
Particularly, we are very glad that the #ACC has committed itself to investigating the #42for42 fire tenders contract & revelations of the #FIC.
The #ACC says that it will continue to take keen interest in reports of mismanagement of funds revealed in the Auditor-General’s report, particularly those involving corruption and abuse of authority of office.
#ACC says that between 2013 and 2015, the Commission investigated a total of 87 cases of corruption arising from the Auditor-General’s reports.
#ACC also lauds its own independence & has listed high-profile cases it has pursued in the past as part of its success stories, but independent observers have different opinions.
Transparency International (TI) @anticorruption believes that, many prosecutions and court decisions in Zambia are thought to reflect political motivations.
TI also says that, corruption by politically connected people pervades public contracting to date.
TI notes that #ACC received 2,000 complaints per year in 2013 and 2014. It prosecuted a mere 32 and 17 respectively, with 26 and 11 convictions.
TI information source: Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Southern Africa Report 2017 (TI/OSISA)
The #ACC says it is concerned with the manner in which some of its cases are handled by among others, the #DPP and respective MPSA managements.
If we have understood their statement, #ACC are in essence protesting the use of the ‘Nolle’ & administrative resolutions in some of the cases they were pursuing.
We are concerned at the suggestion that the nolle prosequi & administrative measures are being used to resolve criminal offences. This can be very counterproductive in fighting graft.
We agree with the #ACC that there must be a deliberate initiative to strengthen financial management systems in the public sector so as to close up opportunities for leakages of public funds
ACA is pleased to learn that the #ACC has taken keen interest in 2016 #AGsReport & that the Commission has picked a total of 20 cases that relate to its mandate.
As stated earlier, the #ACC has rekindled its interest in the matter of the #42for42 fire tenders. The Commission has noted calls from members of the public & other stakeholders for the matter to be investigated as the amount spent seems exorbitant.
#ACC now wants to probe adherence to tender specifications, price & possible corruption. Commission has noted that the main concern from members of the public is that the Fire Tenders that were delivered appear not to match with the reported cost.
As an organisation, we would like to see a very transparent & thorough investigation into the #42for42 fire tender contract. #ACC owes it to the people of Zambia to restore faith in the fight against corruption.
We are happy to note that #ACC has also instituted investigations into alleged corruption in the manner Ministry of Health procured ambulances at a cost of US$288,000 per ambulance. Again, we call for collaboration.
#ACC has also announced having instituted investigations on a number of cases of suspected corruption arising from information from the Financial Intelligence Centre related to suspicious transactions that may amount to payment of bribes to individuals & firms.
#ACC must clarify the practice of resolving suspected fraud and abuse of public resources ‘administratively.’ This practice if it is what we understand it to be could be a recipe for further abuse of public money.
We are deeply troubled to learn that the ‘Nolle’ is being used to stop prosecution of cases involving abuse of public resources. The overarching powers of the #DPP must be reconsidered by law-makers.
Stream from our Twitter account @ZambiaAsks
Source: News Diggers https://t.co/4TZSzGFVcP