We are very worried about the PF government lack of seriousness with issues of good corporate governance. For instance since I resigned as ZESCO Board Chairperson in April, the position has remained vacant for 8 months.
This is unacceptable given the fact that ZESCO is a very vital state enterprise that should not compromise the standards of corporate governance. ZESCO must be a shining example of good corporate governance. Moreover, the government has been borrowing a lot of money for ZESCO to increase the capacity of electricity generation, transmission and other projects. It is therefore important for government to demonstrate concern for sound corporate governance at ZESCO so that the public and lending institutions can have confidence in our power utility.
Another instance showing PF’s recklessness regarding corporate governance is the continued absence of a board at Road Development Agency (RDA). It seems that President Sata who has grabbed RDA and put it under his armpit has also usurped the powers of the board. This attitude of PF and Mr Sata shows that his government doesn’t value corporate governance and it’s tenets of transparency and accountability.
As such, we should not expect PF to do a good job in safeguarding public interest.
Against this background, we are calling upon Mr Sata and his cabinet to take issues of sound corporate governance seriously and correct the anomalies that we are witnessing not only in state enterprises but the entire governance system.
The need to constitute a board at RDA is urgent. Government should also ensure the election of a board chairperson for ZESCO as well as replacing board members for other quasi government institutions such as Energy Regulation Board (ERB).
We are also urging Mr Sata and PF to take the advice of Mr Ngandu Magande to acknowledge the contribution of their predecessors to government programmes and projects. For instance, what President Sata said recently in Siavonga when commissioning a ZESCO electricity generator that the commissioning signified the start of the fight against load shading by his government was not correct. The fight against load shading was started by MMD many years ago.
As such, former finance Minister Mr Magande was right when he said the project President Sata commissioned was started during the time of late President Levy Mwanawasa. Therefore, it is important for PF to be magnanimous and acknowledge the contribution of previous leaders and their governments. Recognizing the contribution of others will be a mark of sincerity and a spirit of inclusiveness necessary for national building.
We therefore urge the PF government to show mature leadership and even consider inviting former leaders when such projects are being commissioned. Such a move will not take away the credit of the PF for continuing such projects and bringing them to fruition. After all, some of the good projects the PF government has started may be finished by other governments in future.
Fr Frank Bwalya
ABZ LEADER