The 2022 Auditor General Report Shows Positive Outcomes

The Auditor General's report for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2022, demonstrates notable improvements in public financial management. Fourteen ministries and provinces have received a clean bill of health with zero audit queries.

During the presentation of the report at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa emphasized the positive direction in financial management under President Hakainde Hichilema's leadership. Some of the accomplishments highlighted by Mr. Kangwa include a doubling of the number of ministries and provinces that were not mentioned in the auditor general's report, growing from seven in 2021 to 14 in the current year. Even among those not cited in the report, the number of audit queries has decreased compared to previous years.

Mr. Kangwa pointed out that last year saw a significant reduction in misappropriation of funds, dropping from five billion kwacha to K135 thousand, representing a 97 percent decrease. Similarly, unaccounted for funds plummeted from K83 million to K388 thousand, nearly a 100 percent reduction. He praised the controlling officers for their efforts in achieving zero audit queries, reflecting positive audit outcomes.

Mr. Kangwa expressed gratitude to President Hichilema for his continued push to reduce audit queries and enhance government resource accountability. He attributed part of this improvement to the introduction of a new disciplinary code, which has spurred more action.

Acting Secretary to the Treasury Danies Chisenda reminded controlling officers of their responsibility in overseeing public resource management, emphasizing the need to build trust with citizens through achieving zero audit queries. He assured that the Treasury would offer support by improving systems and providing training to staff in various institutions to enhance efficiency, timeliness, and accuracy in their operations.

Meanwhile, Bornwell Mpofu, the Director in Charge of Planning in the Office of the Auditor General, appreciated the compliance levels among current controlling officers who provided timely evidence. He called for adherence to the audit process to ensure timely evaluations.

Among the ministries and provinces that received no citations in the report are the Ministries of Green Economy and Environment, Technology and Science, Commerce, Trade and Industry, Energy, Information and Media, Justice, Tourism, Labour and Social Security, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Infrastructure and Urban Development, Central Province, Lusaka Province, North-Western Province, Cabinet Office, and the Department of Gender.