Lungu’s PS reshuffles welcomed

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 14:57:04 +0000

…It will sets the right tone to halt wasteful public expenditure- Nyasulu

By SIMON MUNTEMBA

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu’s recent Permanent Secretaries (PSs) reshuffles is a welcome move as it will curb against abuse of government resources, Global Management Accountants (MCGMA) chief executive officer Victor Nyasulu has said.

And Mr Nyasulu said the elevation of the Office of controller of internal audit at the Ministry of Finance Joyce Sundono to PS sets the right tone to halt wasteful public expenditure.

Mr Nyasulu, who is also member of the national task force on Anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), said the reshuffles were timely and significant in the wake of government’s fight against wasteful expenditure, corruption and other financial crimes.

“There are many benefits of the strong accountability system that will arise out of the strengthening to the office of controller of internal audit. Generally speaking, the Auditor-General’s report should get thinner unlike now when external audits occur after the horse had already bolted,” Mr Nyasulu said.

This is contained in a statement made available to the Daily Nation by MCGMA public relations consultant Davis Mulenga.

He said Ms Sundono was touted as a “level headed” senior account with impeccable professional credentials.

“Having been privileged to be part of the panel that interviewed her for the job she held before being elevated, I have no doubt that she will discharge her duties without reproach,” Nyasulu said.

Mr Nyasulu noted that development coming only a few months after the Accountant General was bumped up to PS as well, effectively gave accountants in the public sector more powers to curb wasteful expenditure and misappropriation of resources.

He said, “It puts in plain sight what is often overlooked during a fiscal year, meaning enormous amounts of resources used in unravelling the constant stream of missteps would be saved.”

President Lungu last week made a slew of changes among permanent secretaries, including elevating Joyce Sundono, controller of internal audit, ministry of finance, ministry of finance, to PS.

The Head of state also promoted director of strategic planning, management development division, Cabinet office, Raswell Mwenya to PS, Remuneration division in the same office. 

Other changes included creation of additional permanent secretary positions, and lateral shift of some personnel at that level.

The President’s spokesperson, Amos Chanda said the changes were aimed at streamlining government operations and ensuring effective oversight, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.