Southern Africa: Zambian Auditor-General Attracts SADC, AU
The Times of Zambia (Ndola), 27 March 2008
THE Office of the Auditor-General in Zambia has been appointed as auditor of the African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) because of its outstanding performance over the years.
Auditor-General, Anna Chifungula, said because of the good work by the employees at her office, international organisations such as the World Bank had in recent years identified the organisation as one of the Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI's) in Africa.
Ms Chifungula, who was speaking during the official opening of the 2008-2012 strategic planning workshop for her office at Andrews Motel in Lusaka yesterday, said the institution had also been requested to help other SAIs, including the SAI of Liberia, strengthen the offices and assist in auditing revenues.
Ms Chifungula said her office had sent three officers to Liberia to help reconstruct the office in that country.
"This accolade has earned us a mark to the extent that we were appointed as auditors of the African Union and SADC.
"In addition the African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions has also requested us to host its 2009 annual general meeting," she said.
She said the many achievements scored had again created further need for harder work and a more relevant stance as dictated by the legislation, public expectation and the critical role in the accountability of public finances in the country.
She said the interaction with the international audit community had also helped build the institution.
Ms Chifungula said the evolution of audits from financial to performance and environmental, information technology and forensic investigations posed a challenge to the institution.
"Our preparedness in terms of skill, structure and strategy in these areas will be critical for a sustained success of this office," Ms Chifungula.
Permanent Secretary Management Development Division at Cabinet Office, George Kawatu, said the Government had put premium on the promotion of prudent financial management and the fight against abuse of public resources.
Mr Kawatu said the AG's office was a critical institution in assisting the Government realise the noble cause for the benefit of all as evidenced by its works in the recent past.
He said the review of the strategic plan for the office of the AG was being held in line with Government's new strategy for enhancing the quality of service delivery.
