Community Development Ministry Welcomes Arrests in SCT Misuse Case

By Cindy Mulomba The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has welcomed the arrest and subsequent charging of three officers from Itezhi-Tezhi District in connection with alleged misuse of funds under the Social Cash Transfer -SCT- Programme. In a statement to ZNBC News in Lusaka, Ministry Permanent Secretary for Administration ANGELA KAWANDAMI says the Ministry will fully cooperate with the Anti Corruption Commission -ACC- and other law enforcement agencies as they investigate the matter. Ms. KAWANDAMI says the Ministry has provided, and will continue to provide, all relevant information and support required to facilitate the investigations. She says the Ministry has zero tolerance for corruption, abuse, misappropriation or misuse of public resources. Ms. KAWANDAMI says the Ministry will not shield, condone or tolerate any conduct that undermines the integrity of Government programmes or deprives intended beneficiaries of resources meant to improve their welfare. She says every Kwacha allocated to the Social Cash Transfer Programme belongs to the people of Zambia and must be properly managed, accounted for and utilised strictly for the intended purpose. Ms. KAWANDAMI says allegations involving individual officers must be distinguished from the work, values and professional conduct of the Ministry as an institution. She says isolated incidents or alleged misconduct should NOT undermine public confidence in the SCT Programme. Ms. KAWANDAMI says the Ministry will instead continue to strengthen internal controls and financial management systems across all its programmes and district offices.