Eastern Province strengthens risk management

The Eastern Province Planning Unit has embarked on a risk management technical backstopping exercise in five districts to strengthen the implementation of risk management at district level. Speaking during a visit to Sinda District, Eastern Province Planning Unit Planner Andrew…

The Eastern Province Planning Unit has embarked on a risk management technical backstopping exercise in five districts to strengthen the implementation of risk management at district level.

Speaking during a visit to Sinda District, Eastern Province Planning Unit Planner Andrew Mwanza said the exercise is aimed at assessing progress in implementing risk management activities, reviewing and updating departmental and district risk registers and providing practical technical support to district administrations and other responsible officers.

Mr Mwanza said the exercise is being conducted in line with the Public Finance Management Act of 2018, which requires public institutions to identify, assess and monitor risks that could result in the loss or misuse of public resources.

He said the Planning Unit is also providing on-site capacity building and technical guidance to officers responsible for risk management.

Speaking during a meeting with heads of government departments, Mr Mwanza acknowledged the challenges faced by government institutions in delivering public services, including inadequate funding.

“We are aware of the challenges that are in most departments. Some of these challenges have been appearing in reports dating as far back as two to four years ago but could not be addressed because they have been on the surface without a proper register. Challenges must be backed by a risk management register in order to effectively address them,” he said.

Mr Mwanza said effective planning is important in establishing risk management and business continuity systems as part of the overall control framework aimed at enhancing government’s ability to achieve its strategic objectives.

He added that risk management involves identifying potential risks in advance and taking precautionary measures to reduce their impact.

Mr Mwanza said adopting the Risk Management Framework would help improve public service delivery by enabling government institutions to better prepare for and manage potential risks.

Meanwhile, Acting Sinda District Commissioner Stephen Tembo has called on government institutions in the district to actively participate in the implementation of risk management.

Mr Tembo thanked the Planning Unit for providing the technical support needed to strengthen risk management, saying it would improve preparedness and service delivery.

“We are thankful that the Planning Unit is offering the technical support needed to ensure the implementation of risk management, which is very important in every setup for better preparedness for any expected challenges. As a district, we will be better equipped to manage risks and ensure better service delivery,” he said.

Other districts targeted by the exercise are Nyimba, Lusangazi, Petauke and Katete.