By Isaac Zulu
Mwenya Musenge has said that Minister of Finance Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane is being economical with the truth on the dissolution of the National Road Fund Agency board.
Speaking in an interview, Musenge citing lack of unity among the board members as a reason that led to the dissolution of the National Road Fund Agency is not sufficient to avoid speculations from the general populace.
He explained that before the NRFA board there were unconfirmed reports that some board members were engaging in corrupt activities by soliciting for kick backs from individuals and companies that have been bidding for tenders in the road sub sector, hence the need to go beyond dissolution of the said board and probe those that might have been engaging in corruption.
Musenge, who is former National Democratic Congress general secretary, pointed out that the UPND administration has committed itself to fighting corruption in the country, saying it is therefore prudent that investigations are instituted in order to establish if there were corrupt related activities at the dissolved National Road Fund Agency board.
“The dissolution of the National Road Fund Agency board is a huge step. Unfortunately it has left more questions than answers. Our colleagues in the new dawn government have placed a high premium on the fight against corruption – past, present and future – and it is not a secret that there were some rumours that there were issues to do with corruption amongst the board members. It is, therefore, only prudent to be transparent on this issue and avoid speculations. Members of the public should be given the correct information. And I strongly feel that the Minister of Finance Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane is being economical with the truth by citing lack of unity among board members as a reason for that dissolution,” Musenge explained.
“We should not forget that the National Road Fund Agency board that was dissolved was constituted less than a year ago, meaning that it has barely been in office for 12 months,” said Musenge, who is also former PF Chimwemwe legislator. “And must be wary that when actions such as this one are taken, the reputations of the appointees are damaged. We have to take cognisant of the fact that it takes a long, long time to build one’s reputation and integrity. So it is important to ensure that their reputation and integrity get to be restored.”
