They claim this is putting a strain on the country’s efforts to curb graft.

Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency, Executive Director, Willy Kambwandira, says such a law is critical in rooting out corruption.

“We appreciate that there are calls for review of the Public Finance Management Law but as CSAT we have strong reservations with the proposal, considering that here is the law that was amended just some two years ago.

“But I think we have not seen seriousness in terms of the implementation of the law in question,” lamented Kambwandira.

He added, “Even though the law provides for personal accountability on controlling officers who abuse public resources we are not seeing that.

“The law in its current state provides for stiffer penalties for people who violate the act but also abuse public resources, we are not seeing that,” said Kambwandira.

He further implored law enforcers to do the needful saying he wants to see seriousness in the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act and ensure people who abuse resources face proper administrative sanctions.

His sentiments were echoed by Nsanje Civil Society Network Chairperson, Mike Dansa, who also calls for more action in the implementation of the Law.

“We are not doing enough as a country that is why we see continued plunder of public resources in various councils.

“This is imparting negatively on the implementation of development projects in the country. Some projects have been stalling due to abuse of funds by some officers,” explained Dansa.

Mweta Katemba, a citizen based in Nsanje is equally concerned, saying time is now for the law enforcers to act accordingly.

“As a country we are not doing enough in terms of the implementation of the law. There are many civil servants reported to have been involved in corruption but are yet to be prosecuted and no one cares,” explained Katemba.

Meanwhile Senior Chief Chapanga of Chikwawa who shares similar concerns, has implored the authorities to ensure that traditional leaders are kept abreast of such laws.

He noted that traditional leaders are also critical for the country to make headway in curbing corruption at all levels.

Anti- Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General, Martha Chizuma, told Zodiak Online earlier, “prosecution does not only involve the Bureau. The Courts have to be available and the defense too.

“We try to push but ultimately it’s not only about us.”