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a.
Performance of last
year was commendable in regard to economic growth, especially in the mining
industry. However, there was no emphasis on equitable distribution of wealth
from this ‘growing economy’. Therefore, this economic growth has not translated
into poverty reduction.
i. In
this regard, we fully support government’s decision not to enter into any
contracts with investors over the discovered oil deposits in the country until
legislation has been reviewed. It was disheartening in the past to find that the
country was losing out on the benefits of the mines because of the contracts
entered into before. We encourage the government to make this review of
contracts as consultative as possible for the sake of equitable national
development. In the same vein, we back government’s stance on the mining
contracts and urge that the benefits of this should be seen on the ground
through enhanced development programmes.
ii. The
areas that government must invest in are those that directly benefit the poor.
These are the areas that government must be seen to be investing more in.
Government has taken a positive step towards recognising these areas as priority
areas in the FNDP. Now it is a matter of bringing that prioritisation into
reality by putting the most money into the health, education, water and
sanitation, infrastructure development and agriculture, among others.
b. The
launch of the FNDP in January 2007 represented a new dawn for Zambia in that for
the first time in many years, we had a comprehensive plan for national
development for Zambia. This plan could be said to have been inclusive in its
formulation. CSPR participated in its formulation during 2005 and 2006. To
complement government effort, CSPR carried out sensitisation and simplified the
FNDP and endeavored to translate the simplifications. This increased the sense
of national ownership of the FNDP.
c. Government’s
engagement with civil society also showed good progress during 2007. This in
regard to government’s invitations to SAGs, FNDP launch and discussions and
amicable collaboration with the different Ministries. A good example is CSPR’s
collaboration with Ministry of Finance in organising a National workshop to
discuss the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.
d. During
2007, CSPR conducted a baseline to set pace for monitoring of the FNDP. In
addition, we conducted a study on the effectiveness of the abolishing of health
user fees. The findings are currently being analysed and shall be shared with
different stakeholders within the first quarter of 2008. This is in tandem with
our quest to have evidence based advocacy and offer alternative thinking for
national development.
Ivy Mutwale (Miss)
Acting Executive
Director
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