THE Auditor General’s office has launched a toll free hotline (5566) which will provide a platform for the public to report issues of concern regarding the management of public resources.

And Auditor General Dr Dick Sichembe has warned controlling and public officers that his office will not relent in exposing all those in the habit of mismanaging resources.

Speaking at the launch of the hotline, Friday, Dr Sichembe said the toll free hotline would enable whistleblowers to report financial irregularities in a timely and convenient manner by simply dialing the hotline.

“The purpose of setting up this toll free hotline is to provide a platform for the public and other stakeholders to report issues of concern with regard to the management of public resources which my office will follow up to examine from the audit perspective. This will not only enhance our audit reporting but also promote transparency and accountability. The toll free hotline will enable whistleblowers to report financial irregularities in a timely and convenient manner by just dialing the toll free line. The caller and the information that will be obtained will be treated with utmost confidentiality. I therefore encourage all citizens to participate in the effort of promoting prudent management of public resources,” he said.

Dr Sichembe said the toll free line was only available on MTN and Zamtel for now.

“The toll free line number is 5566. The number is active on two mobile networks namely Zamtel and MTN. Plans are underway to have Airtel come on board. The call centre will be operational from Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 17:00. All informers or callers will be allowed to remain anonymous if they choose to. The office will devise a mechanism of giving feedback to informers or callers who choose not to remain anonymous on how the cases are progressing. This will be done so as to encourage more members of the public to report cases,” he said.

Dr Sichembe said the initiative of having the hotline would greatly help in the areas of conducting audits.

“As you may be aware, article 250 of the Constitution of Zambia amendment act no.2 of 2016 requires my office to conduct financial and value for money audits, including forensic audits in respect of management of public funds. Therefore, this initiative of having the hotline will greatly help in the areas of conducting these audits. As a supreme audit institution in the country, we are mandated to provide oversight on the management of public resources and provide an assurance to the stakeholders and the citizens on whether the resources are being used for the intended purpose and are being used efficiently, effectively and economically. This is critical to the economic and social development of the country,” he said.

“The task of promoting accountability and transparency in the management of public resources cannot be undertaken entirely by our office, we need the collaborative efforts of the citizens. This is because citizens live in the communities where government projects, programmes and activities are implemented. Therefore, they are better placed to provide information to my office voluntarily on any suspicious activities related to financial management with regard to the projects, programmes and activities using the platforms like the hotline we are launching today. It is my hope that citizens who are taxpayers will take keen interest in the management of public resources.”

And Dr Sichembe said his office would bring to account all those in the habit of mismanaging resources.

“Let me take this opportunity to warn controlling officers and other public officers that my office shall not relent to expose and bring to account all those that are in the habit of mismanaging resources. My office remains resolute and steadfast to protect public resources,” said Dr Sichembe.

Meanwhile, Embassy of Sweden Head of Development Corporation Susanna Hughes said fighting corruption as a development obstacle was high on the Swedish international development cooperation’s agenda.

“The purpose of the development cooperation between Zambia and Sweden is to contribute to decreased inequality, improved resilience, increased respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law as well as environmentally and climate-resilient sustainable and inclusive economic development. Fighting corruption as a development obstacle is high on the Swedish international development cooperation agenda. We welcome that this has also been echoed by the new Zambian Government. Sweden considers ensuring transparent and accountable management of resources and integrity in public life, and fight against corruption to be fundamental to economic growth and development in Zambia,” said Hughes.