3 July 2009
UNITED States (US) ambassador to Zambia, Donald Booth has said corruption revelations by Zambia's investigative wings, if properly and transparently pursued, have the potential to increase public trust in the Government.
Mr Booth said in Lusaka yesterday during that country's 233rd US independence anniversary celebrations that if Zambia's corruption revelations were properly and transparently followed, they would enhance confidence in the Government.
"Revelations of corrupt actions by some officials, if properly and transparently pursued, will, I believe, in Zambia as elsewhere, have the effect of increasing public trust in the Government, of promoting unity and stability," Mr Booth said.
In uncovering the misuse of the Government funds, he said the auditors general's office and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) were showing that they were doing their work accordingly.
The ambassador said implementation of the new ACC policy, passage of a Freedom of Information Act and regular publication of budget expenditure would all serve to further increased public trust.
Mr Booth said Americans struggled for their independence just like the Zambian counterparts.
He said just like Zambia, his country begun as a developing nation and relied on foreign capital to develop the economy.
Speaking at the same function Communication and Transport Minister, Geoffrey Lungwangwa said Zambia was committed to the fight against corruption in the public sector and ensuring that public funds were used for their intended purpose.
Professor Lungwangwa said Zambia would continue to support the US efforts to make the world a more secure and free place for humanity.
"My Government wishes to commend the United States of America for the contribution made to improve the welfare of Zambians over the years of our partnership and friendship for contributing towards promoting the attainment of Zambia's sustainable development," he said.
He said it was gratifying that US financial and technical support had continued to help build capacity in Zambia.
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