Government has revealed plans to conduct a comprehensive audit in all local authorities nationwide to scrutinize the usage of funds meant for developmental projects.
This decision follows a recent Lusaka City Council internal audit report, which uncovered irregularities involving the unauthorized withdrawal of 23,470 litres of fuel valued at K1.2 million by vehicles not part of the council's official fleet.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Nicholas Phiri expressed dismay over these discrepancies and outlined the ministry's initiative to ensure accountability.
Mr. Phiri says the ministry has already taken steps by notifying the local government service commission to initiate disciplinary actions against implicated local authorities.
Further, Mr Phiri has sternly warned that the government will not tolerate any misappropriation of funds, as doing so is detrimental to national development.
PHOENIX NEWS