The Alliance against Corruption (AAC) Executive Director, Noel Chisebe has expressed concern about the Auditor General’s report on accounts of local authorities for the financial year ended 31 December 2024. Dr Chisebe says widespread financial mismanagement, systemic failures in revenue collection, and accountability deficiency highlighted in the report raises a serious concern on the capacities of local authorities. Speaking in an interview in Kabwe, Dr Chisebe said the findings of uncollected fees, unaccounted for funds, misapplication of funds, and over-employment of staff were unacceptable and demanded for immediate remedy.
He observed that the report was a stark reminder of the prevalent corruption and lack of transparency associated with the local authorities in the country. He charged that these irregularities are a clear indication of corruption, which must be addressed with utmost seriousness and urgency. Dr Chisebe appealed to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) to take swift and decisive action to address the shortcomings and also to implement the Auditor General’s recommendations He urged the government to strengthen governance structures by improving financial monitoring mechanisms to ensure public resources are utilized for the benefit of the citizens.
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