Jesuit Centre urges govt to plug revenue leaks observed in Audit, Financial Intelligence Centre’s reports

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has called on government to address the revenue leaks as evidenced by the Auditor General (AG) and Financial Intelligence Centre’s (FIC) reports.

JCTR Social and Economic Development Programme Officer Aquila Ng’onga in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lusaka said this is important in salvaging revenue that is critical for social protection.

Ng’onga said government needs to increase efforts to address revenue leaks in public procurement and revenue collection to ensure that enough resources are available to support social sector spending, which is critical for addressing the high cost of living.

He said Pope Francis recently made a statement that emphasizes that the common good is paramount, and that we have to put our community at the heart of socio-economic development.

“It is therefore crucial for policymakers to find a balance between debt restructuring efforts and implementing measures that alleviate the strain on the cost of living, ensuring the well-being of the population during this challenging period,” Ng’onga.

He has called on government to ensure that social justice and the welfare of all Zambians, especially the most vulnerable, are given top consideration in policy choices and actions.

Ng’onga said a just and inclusive society must prioritize addressing inequality and encouraging equitable access to opportunities and resources.
“To reduce Zambia’s economic burden and foster a climate that supports sustainable development, immediate action is required to resolve the debt crisis,” Ng’onga.

He said this gives the government and the private sector more room to engage in diverse economic ventures that lessen reliance on imports of various food and non-food commodities.

Ng’onga has urged assistance for Zambia’s attempts to address the delays in debt restructuring and lower the high cost of living from the international community, financial institutions, and development partners.

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