Appraisal of Government projects will ensure prudent use of public resources, maximise benefits – Mvunga

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By Chibaula David Silwamba
Spokesperson and Assistant to the Minister
Ministry of National Development Planning LUSAKA, Friday, 19 October 2018

The Government, through the Ministry of National Development Planning, is establishing the Public Investment Management System to ensure that major projects are appraised before implementation, to maximise benefits to the citizens and prudent use of public resources.

Acting Secretary to the Cabinet Christopher Mvunga said an efficient Public Investment Management System would strengthen the way projects are developed, conceptualised, appraised, budgeted for, implemented, monitored and evaluated.

Mr. Mvunga was speaking when he officiated at the Permanent Secretaries’ sensitisation meeting on Public Investment Management (PIM) Guidelines for Zambia.
He said through the PIM process, standardised guidelines and procedures were being developed to guide institutions across the Government in the preparation of investment projects.

“The purpose of our meeting today is to consider what is being proposed as the procedures and guidelines for Public Investment Management for Zambia. The engagement of senior officers in Government at this stage is critical to ensure that your feedback and comments are considered and taken on board as the guidelines are being finalised,” Mr. Mvunga said.

He said the Government recognises the challenges that currently exist in the way public investment projects are managed, adding that one clear manifestation of the challenge was in the number of projects being implemented at the same time.

“Given the limited resources available to Government, it will take a very long time to complete these projects. There is, therefore, a clear need for Government to improve the way public investment projects are managed from identification to implementation and operation,” said Mr. Mvunga, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Finance and Economic Development). Mr. Mvunga said one way of achieving efficient use of public resources was through an efficient Public Investment Management System.

“Government was committed to strengthen transparency, accountability and effectiveness in the utilisation of the limited national resources. Government is committed to ensuring that there is improvement in the way public investment are developed and implemented to maximise benefits to the citizen,” Mr. Mvunga said. “In this regard, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, directed that the implementation of projects should be phased out starting with the completion of projects at 80 percent and above, while no new projects will be implemented without being appraised.”

Mr. Mvunga noted that while these Public Investment Management systems were being developed, they will not perform well if they are not followed in practice.

“Best Public Investment Management Systems will fail to produce results if they are undercut or circumvented by adhoc decisions,” he said. “For the proposed system to function effectively, as Permanent Secretaries and senior Government officials, we have a major role to play. This process requires a complete change in the way we do business. We cannot continue with business as usual.”

Mr. Mvunga said Government also announced the establishment of the Public Investment Board (PIB) to scrutinise capital expenditures before consideration by Cabinet.

“The PIB will provide a platform for effective coordination of different institutions in the process of preparing investment projects for implementation. These pronouncements build on the planning and budgeting policy approved by Government in 2014, which requires that major project be appraised before inclusion in the budget,” said Mr. Mvunga.

Ministry of National Development Planning (Development Cooperation, Monitoring and Evaluation) Permanent Secretary Mushuma Mulenga said the PIMS would ensure that the Government receives value for money, and over time, sustained economic growth and development from each project that is implemented.
Mr. Mulenga said 25 officers from the Ministry of National Development Planning and other ministries have been trained in project appraisal.

“Draft Public Investment Management guidelines have also been developed and, therefore, there is need for government to consult relevant stakeholders to ensure that the guidelines are acceptable and usable,” said Mr. Mulenga.
Issued by

Chibaula D., Silwamba (Mr.)
Spokesperson and Assistant to the Minister
Ministry of National Development Planning
Government of the Republic of Zambia
Corner of John Mbita and Nationalist Road
P.O. Box 30147
Lusaka, Zambia
Cell: +260973084193 / Whatsapp: +16462405430
Email : chibaula.silwamba@mndp.gov.zm
chibaulas@gmail.com
Twitter: chibaulas
Facebook: Chibaula D. Silwamba
LinkedIn : Chibaula D. Silwamba

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pursuit of education has no limits or borders] ” – Al Hassan Sillah, journalist

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Chibaula D., Silwamba (M.)
Porte-parole et Assistant du Ministre
Ministère de la Planification du Développement National
Gouvernement de la République de Zambie
Coin de John Mbita et Nationalist Road
P.O. Box 30147
Lusaka, Zambie
Cellule: +260973084193 / Whatsapp: +16462405430
Email: chibaula.silwamba@mndp.gov.zm

chibaulas@gmail.com
Twitter: chibaulas
Facebook: Chibaula D. Silwamba
LinkedIn: Chibaula D. Silwamba

“Le poursuit de l’éducation n’a pas de limite ni des frontières, ” – Al Hassan Sillah, journaliste

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