The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has taken a significant step to facilitate ongoing audit investigations by the Auditor General’s Office. The agency’s Executive Director, Mwansa Chamatete, along with five other senior staff members, has been sent on forced leave. This decision comes as the Auditor General’s Office requested an enabling environment to extend and deepen its audit of the institution, which began last year.
The senior staff members affected by this directive include the Human Resources and Administration Manager, Finance Manager, Legal Counsel, and others. To ensure the agency’s operations continue uninterrupted, the FRA board has appointed Justin Chuunka, the current Food Reserve and Marketing Manager, to serve as Acting Executive Director during the investigation period.
The forced leave is expected to last for two months, during which the Auditor General’s Office aims to thoroughly examine the agency’s processes and financial records. This development underscores the FRA’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations.
However, Chamatete has stated that he is currently on annual leave and has not received formal communication indicating that he has been placed on forced leave. This statement raises questions about the communication process surrounding the directive.
The FRA’s decision aligns with the Auditor General’s recommendation to create an environment conducive to conducting a comprehensive audit. The outcome of this investigation is anticipated to shed light on any irregularities and pave the way for potential reforms within the agency.
This move by the FRA highlights the importance of oversight and governance in public institutions, particularly those tasked with managing vital national resources. Stakeholders and the public alike will be watching closely to see the results of the audit and any subsequent actions taken to strengthen the agency’s accountability mechanisms
