By Ellen Hambuba
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has directed the Controller of Internal Audit to strengthen oversight and close procurement loopholes, warning that public resources must never be misused.
Speaking during a swearing-in ceremony at State House, President HICHILEMA reminded the newly appointed Controller of Internal Audit, JAMIE MUKUWA, that internal audits must detect irregularities at an early stage.
He said audit sampling must be thorough and impartial rather than selective.
President HICHILEMA said robust internal audits are vital to sustaining free education, school feeding programmes and public sector recruitment.
He added that savings achieved through disciplined financial management translate directly into classrooms, desks and the employment of teachers.
The President also challenged the newly sworn-in Director General of Public Private Partnerships, ANDISEYA LENGALENGA, to speed up project delivery.
He said the Public Private Partnership model is proving effective, citing major road projects being undertaken without placing excessive pressure on the national treasury.
President HICHILEMA said Zambia must move more infrastructure projects off the Government balance sheet through innovative financing models.
Meanwhile, President HICHILEMA has tasked the newly appointed High Commissioner to Nigeria, JOSEPH AKAFUMBA, with prioritising economic diplomacy and attracting investment back home.
He said Zambia’s foreign missions must shift their focus from protocol to productivity by securing trade opportunities, partnerships and capital inflows.
Ambassadors, he added, are expected to uphold discipline, project a strong national image and actively pursue investments that contribute to economic growth.
President HICHILEMA further noted that inflation has fallen markedly – from above 23 per cent to single digits — creating space for lower interest rates and increased investment activity.
He said sustained economic growth remains the foundation for free education, job creation and infrastructure development.
