The National Assembly committee seatings have resumed after the festive season break, receiving various submissions on governance and social development issues.
Among the committees sitting are; Energy and Water Development, Legal, Local Government Accounts, Local Governance, Housing and Chiefs Affairs and Cabinet Affairs.
Before the committee on Energy, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) submitted a memorandum on the implications of the monthly fuel price reviews.
”Monthly fuel price reviews now heavily hinge on international oil prices and volatile kwacha-dollar exchange rates, causing fluctuations that affect our daily lives and economic activities,” reads the submission in part. ”Increased fuel costs have directly impacted transportation, raising prices for goods and services. This ripple effect affects domestic consumers and challenges Zambia’s competitiveness in the global market”.
The Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia appeared before the Committee on Local Governance to make a submission on the review of the implementation of the Constituency Development Funds (CDF).
The Submission was led by executive director Luchembe Chilufya who highlighted key recommendations aimed at optimizing the impact of the CDF in addressing crucial issues within communities.
”These submissions indicate how our organization strives to make a positive impact and promote the effective implementation, accountability and transparency of the constituency development fund,” Chilufya said.
The Committee on Local Government Accounts challenges councils to ensure effective project monitoring and implementation to ensure value for taxpayers’ money.
”If officers in the local authority choose to be idle, we will continue to record audit queries which in the end entails that the public is not getting back any value for money,” committee chairman Darius Mulunda said in a session with the Mpika town council.
The committee on Cabinet Affairs received Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana and Smart Zambia national coordinator Percy Chinyama who simultaneously highlighted the country’s progress towards bridging the digital technology divide.
Focus has been placed on equipping rural areas with internet kits which will enhance seamless access to tech services for easy public service delivery.
The committee on legal affairs received witnesses from the Anti-corruption Commission and Financial Intelligence Centre, among other stakeholders. Committee work continues, with the eagerly anticipated Public Accounts Committee to resume sittings in February 2024.
