By Gray Soko
It is said that when the mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz presented his theory of the Butterfly Effect he was literally laughed out of the room. The theory of the Butterfly Effect suggested that the flapping of the butterfly’s wings may create tiny changes in the atmosphere that may ultimately cause a chain of events leading to large scale alteration of events such as the path of a tornado or delay, accelerate or even prevent the occurrence of a tornado in another location. His theory has now been accepted as valid in mathematical and meteorological applications. It is all about starting with small steps.
In the First Republic KK was literally laughed out of the platform for his “back to the land” and “fuel from grass” ( bio-fuel ) proposals, Sondashi, accredited with no mean insights in local government and constitutional law, was also laughed out of the podium for suggesting a federal system of government to stimulate development in rural areas. The now much discredited NCC even went the opposite direction with proposals for a much larger national assembly. General Miyanda fared no better with his village concept which was laughed at as backward, unscientific and naïve. Interestingly the same village concept is being tried elsewhere in Africa ( Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya for example ) as a means of achieving sustainable improvement in living conditions in rural communities.
In three years’ time Zambia will have cloaked 50 years, half a century of nationhood. The centralized system of government we have had since independence has obviously failed to effectively address the socio-economic problems of the rural areas which still record unacceptably high levels of poverty. Decentralisation has been accepted in principle but over decades nothing tangible has happened. Cabinet ministers from Lusaka still travel to the remote areas of the country to “inspect development projects” when there is on paper a provincial and district administration. The role of the provincial minister and the handful of district commissioners seems to be only that of a welcoming party.
Decentralisation of government may just bring about the butterfly effect in the development of rural Zambia. The initial effects may be small but will initiate a chain of events that will lead to large scale change in the economy. An elected provincial council chaired by a full cabinet minister with chiefs in attendance must be the initiator of development, effectively supervising them and exercising full accountability for the resources from central government. If chiefs have to be relevant, they should have a role beyond traditional ceremonies and the House of Chiefs, which constitutionally is only advisory on matters of tradition and culture. They should play a developmental role in provincial councils. Such an arrangement will provide incentives and jobs for skilled persons and those with political ambitions to start making a useful contribution to the overall development of the country.
More research of course needs to be done to refine ideas we have previously laughed at as untenable ( back to the land, bio-fuel, federal system, village concept etc ) or shelved so that whatever is implemented does not have negative or perverse unintended consequences in our match forward. To borrow Obama’s words on the passing on of the Apple boss Steve Jobs, I feel President Sata “ is brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he (can) change ( Zambia ) and talented enough to do it”. Let’s hope the team that will be tasked to look at the constitution will not overlook the urgent need for effective decentralization.
1st
Brother Gray, music in my ears please e-mail me you number – [email protected].
One man that thinks like you!!
oh god! at least a good development oriented paper. I once worked with a lady from Lusaka in my province. she flately stated that people from the province cannot handle some tasks, and hence the presence of the Lusaka chaps. Decentralisation can obviously clean up such minds.
Food for thought or rather time for this experiment…
I have always argued that, no matter how skilled a President or Minister is, to effectively manage 73 districts is impossible. In as far as the people of Mwansabombwe is concerned, they want their bridge working like yestaday. In Sinazongwe that rural school as never seen a new book in 20 years, to locals that matters, to Lusaka its a news story. As long as Lusaka thinks they know it all, Zambia will never go anywhere regardless who the president is. Effective local control will allow people to start being creative and innovative, because they will have responsibility to finance their projects.
in fact that is what baroste agreement is all about.
well meant article…Man!
decentralisation is the way forward. action is needed now. our brothers in the west (barotse) ar fed up. the whole country could do with REAL decentralisation of power away from lusaka
Viva MIYANDA, viva Lorenz, Viva Sondashi and Viva to the wise on this blog-news source that understand the wisdom of the post and the above mentioned.
60,000 people in Chilubi district have no bank, Lusaka has more than 10 banks, what good are those banks to the people of Chilubi. Someone says we have Manda Hill in Lusaka, does that really mean anything in Lukulu district, sure they would want to have something like that.
Good direction because most alocated money is diviated on the way. Decentralisation is empowering the people in respective areas.
This is a food for thought article, Mr. Soko, is it possible I can have a full article? Would appreciate it, would like to qote your article for school purposes.
Wow….never saw this coming and about time too!
Federal type of government is best if rural places have to attain the much desired development.The lozi people are right to push for an independent WEST.
Zambia is not ready for decentralization or a federal system until all disputes are resolved especially the issues in Western Province. Even the current PF government is trending carefully on the issues in Western Province as the article below demonstrates:
Govt to listen to concerns on Barotseland Agreement
Vice President Guy Scott says government will take into account all concerns raised over the 1964 Barotseland Agreement.
Dr Scott says government is happy that the Nkoya Royal Establishment has been able to air their views over the Barotseland Agreement on ZNBC.
He says government is also happy that Zambians are now able to express their views whether negative or positive on ZNBC, something, which could not happen in the recent past.
Cont’d
We believe that part of the solution to issues in Western Province is to create Kafue Province with Kaoma District as the Provincial capital. Once this is done and other issues are resolved, if any, then we can start to talk about decentralization and a possible federal system.
If H.E. Sata can suggest Muchinga Province then surely even Kafue Province is a possibility.
Article Cont’d
He was responding to a caller from Ndola who wanted to know whether government will restore the Barotseland Agreement following the concerns raised by the Nkoya Royal Establishment.
The Vice president was speaking on Radio Phoenix over the weekend.
And Chairman of Hickey Groups of Companies Errol Hickey has asked government to consider giving Radio Phoenix more frequencies.
Ends/znbc/ 24/10/11 08 54 hours
We are glad that PF won and Dr Guy Scott is VEEP because he attended this year’s Kazanga Ceremony of the Nkoya People in Kaoma District. He is very familiar with the campaign to create Kafue Province together with the current President Sata.
We would like to believe that the PF government can see sense in this noble campaign so that Kafue Province is created. The new province will create jobs as there will be need to bring about infrastructure and other social structures to support the new Province. It is only then that decentralization can be fully utilized to develop all parts of Zambia fairly and equally.
Viva Kafue Province, Viva Zambia!
http://www.lusakatimes.com/2011/07/17/scott-inonge-wina-disrupt-kazanga-traditional-ceremony/
I dunno about Kafue province, why? But decentralisation is no doubt the way to go!
i believe Sata can pull it off.the russians say “champagne is for people that take risks”. if we dnt try hw we’ll we knw? its worth a try and Sata is brave enough.
Perfect!!! I also like the suggestion that traditional rulers should be involved. I dont understand the logic of those who say traditional rulers should stay out of politics. Partisan politics is a different subject.
Good ideas ,we have a lot of brain box in Zambia
We can’t always have to wait for politicians. Sata
Has a lot on his plate, pretty soon ppl are gonna
Be demanding for their promises
DCENTRALISATION IS THE WAY FOWARD FOR MOTHER ZAMBIA