The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction CSPR has alleged that the Public Private Drivers Association, a Youth Project is abusing its mandate in the way it is running the project.
CSPR Eastern Province Advocacy and Communications Officer Maxson Nkhoma has also called for immediate financial audit of the Public Private Drivers Association Chipata Office.
Mr. Nkhoma says that CSPR is in receipt of reports of alleged abuse of office and failure to follow laid down Operation procedures as prescribed by the government during the hand over ceremony of the buses.
He says that his organisation is worried that if the association is left to continue operating in the manner it is working, the buses will not last for long as there is no proper accountability channels for monies raised by the buses.
But when contacted for a comment, Public Private Drivers Association Chairperson Joseph Phiri refuted the allegation saying the office is open to scrutiny by anyone.
Mr. Phiri explained that when a bus is loaded at Kapata Bus Station going to Lusaka, an inspector accompanies the bus up to Nyimba where he collects the money from the conductor.
He says the inspector then deposits the money while in Nyimba adding that what the office receives are deposit slips for filing, indicating the amount deposited.
Mr. Phiri says the association is aware that government gave the buses on loan from HIGER Bus Company Limited, which needs to be paid back.