THE Government has challenged civil society organisations and others disputing that K19 billion was used during the illness and funeral of late president Levy Mwanawasa to report the matter to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The Non-Governmental Organisation Coordinating Committee (NGOCC) has complained that the amount was colossal and there was a possibility that some funds might not have been used for the intended purpose.

On Tuesday, Vice-President George Kunda said that Government spent K19.5 billion during the illness and funeral of Dr Mwanawasa in August last year.

He said that air fares, allowances for ministers and family members for the late president amounted to K481 million, transporting the body cost K9.1 billion while the funeral ceremony cost K7.5 billion.

He said the up-keep of the former first lady, Maureen and her entourage cost K117 million and K2.2 billion was spent on security and other Government officials' stay in France.

Chief Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the funds were properly utilised and therefore, found the suggestion that there was a likelihood of misappropriation of the resources to be misplaced.

He said that the civil society organisations and other members of the public were at liberty to report to the investigative wing.