Wasted Money

Every year billions of Kwacha that could have improved your life and many others ends up in brown envelopes for the benefit of very few people. The amounts are quite frightening, says Director for Transparency International Zambia, Goodwell Lungu.

By Manja Kamwi

“One of the biggest consequences of corruption in Zambia is lack of development and increase in poverty among the people. If you look at the amount of public funds, which are alleged to have been diverted into private funds we are talking billions of Kwacha. Billions of Kwacha that good have brought development to the people of Zambia. Money, that could have resulted in hospitals, infrastructure and schools. It is quite frightening to think about these huge amounts of money which have ended up benefiting very few people when the majority of the Zambians are suffering,” says Lungu.

It is difficult to put an exact price of how much Zambians are paying for corruption, as it is a criminal activity.

Corruption is widespread

However, based on reported cases brought to court or and reported in the media Transparency International in Zambia estimates that it comes to billions of Kwacha every year.

“Corruption is widespread in Zambia and has affected most of our sectors,” says Lungu and refers to the recently published National Governance Baseline Study. This study, which was carried out by the government itself states that 80 percent of the population think corruption is one of the major challenges that the country is facing.

It further explains that 88 percent think that corruption is a major obstacle for business development in the country.

“It is the wish of every Zambian to have a better standard of living. Currently, not many have the privilege of such a life. The country is now at a stage where it is experiencing lack of development. This scenario has provided fertile ground for corruption. Corruption worsens the situation because of its effects on society economically, socially and culturally by manifesting itself in the form of poverty, debt, organized crime etc. The most obvious outcome of corruption is the increase in cases of poverty. Poverty is exacerbated while a few people gain unfair and immoral access not only to the resources they have no right over, but also public institutions that they start manipulating to torpedo justice and public decency, as it is known,” says Lungu.

Corrupt free services

Transparency International in Zambia is right now finishing a status report of corruption in Zambia, which is expected to be published very soon. The report outlines several cases of corruption at all levels in the private and public sector.

Highlighted cases

The following are just a few of the cases highlighted in the report and gives a small glimpse of how widespread corruption is.

During 2002 a total of 4824 white books valued at K482,400,000 and identity certificates valued at K627,588,000 could not be accounted for at the Ndola office of the Road Traffic Commission. While 924 motor vehicle registration books valued at K97,400,000 could not be accounted for at the Lusaka office. In addition, 304 Test Certificate books valued at K.328,320,000 issued to 12 inspectors at headquarters in Lusaka were unaccounted for as at December 2002.

In April 2003, the Ministry of Home Affairs paid a supplier a total of K116,000,000 for the supply of dry beans to the prisons at K4,800 per kg instead of K96,000,000 resulting in an overpayment of K20,000,000. Like in many other cases no explanation was given neither have the officers involved been sanctioned. All these cases have been well described in the Auditors Generals report.