By JUDITH NAMJUTOWE-
THE GOVERNMENT has approved the 2014-2018 National Strategy for Development of Statistics (NSDS) and the National Planning and Budgeting Policy,
The Implementation of the NSDS would ensure an effective National Statistics System for Zambia and promote a culture of evidence-based planning and decision-making.
Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba announced that Cabinet had now approved the 2014-2018 NSDS.
At a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday Mr Yamba said the strategy would not only provide the basis for improved governance coordination of a system that meets demands of statistical information by the local and international community, but would also be in line with the new development frameworks.
Following approval of the NSDS by Cabinet, Mr Yamba said Government would now engage the Attorney General on the drafting of the Bill to amend the Census and Statistics Act of 1964.
“Our vision for long -term is to make the national statistics system become an efficient, effective and coordinated arrangement and dissemination of official statistics for national development,” he said
On the national planning and budgeting policy, Mr Yamba said the issue had been a source of concern even for oversight institutions such as Parliament that require it to effectively analyse and approve estimates of the revenues and expenditure.
