ActionAid demands update, comprehensive plan for management of recovered loots

The government has been challenged to inform the nation about the total amount recovered from corruption cases since August, 2021.

ActionAid Zambia Country Director, Jovina Nawenzake, called on the government to develop a comprehensive plan for the management of recovered assets and properties.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Nawenzake noted that various security and investigative agencies had confiscated properties proven to be proceeds of crime in recent years.

“While the public has been made aware of assets and properties being recovered mostly through various media reports, there is a need to provide a comprehensive update on the value of all recoveries,” Nawenzake said.

To enhance transparency, Nawenzake stated the importance of keeping the nation informed about the recovery agenda.

She appreciated the government’s efforts in compiling information and developing a comprehensive plan for managing recovered assets, acknowledging that the process could be complex.

“We are confident that the government has significant and sufficient human resources at its disposal, such as property valuators,” Nawenzake added.

She stressed that with a proper asset recovery management plan, citizens would receive value for money from the recovery exercise.

Nawenzake stated that it was essential that the recoveries benefit the communities from which such assets and properties were stolen.

“Recoveries need careful and accountable management. The Anti-Corruption Policy provides a critical opportunity to strengthen the legal framework and eliminate current risks,” she said.

Nawenzake said that establishing a central repository and developing guidelines for managing and disposing of assets must be prioritised in line with the policy.

“ActionAid will monitor the measures outlined in the Policy Implementation Plan (2024-2028) to ensure transparent and prudent utilization of public resources,” she concluded.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.