Government has approved the long awaited National Decentralisation Policy which will empower provinces and districts manage their own affairs for effective social economic development.
The new decentralisation policy would promote people’s participation in democratic governance at the local level.
The policy would also promote participation of chiefs and other traditional leaders in governance and preservation of cultural and heritage, whilst respecting cultural diversity.
Local Government and Housing minister Emerine Kabanshi announced the approval of the new decentralisation policy during a press briefing held at her office in Lusaka yesterday.
Ms Kabanshi said Cabinet approved the new national decentralisation policy during its meeting held in February this year.
Ms Kabanshi was, however, quick to mention that not all functions would be transferred to the councils, but that Central Government shall retain some core functions over essential national matters.
“The central government shall also continue to build capacity in councils for them to improve performance of such core functions as planning and budgeting, personnel and financial management,” she said.
She said the Government through Cabinet office shall also provide leadership and direction to implementation of devolution and implementation of the national decentralisation policy.
The minister called on stakeholders to take keen interest in the implementation of the policy, which sought to ensure that benefits of government programmes accrued to citizens regardless of political affiliation, cultural and economic status or indeed gender.
She said Government had this year embarked on devolution of some central government functions to cities, municipal and district councils in a phased manner.
“Government places great importance on local government, as it is the engine for delivering public infrastructure and services, local economic development and participation,” Ms Kabanshi said.
She said the decentralisation policy would bring about benefits such as the political stability which would be secured by active participation of the local people in developmental activities.
People would also participate in politics through voting and other governance practices such as civic education and democratic accountability.
She said the policy would empower provinces, districts and communities to achieve effective social economic development.
“The policy will also promote cooperative governance with the national government, provincial administration, provincial assemblies and local authorities to support and enhance the development role of local government,” she said.
She urged the media to help the ministry inform and educate the public on the implementation of the policy which had already commenced with the creation of districts.
The vision of the National decentralisation Policy was to promote a decentralised system of governance within a unitary State and the mission statement was to promote decentralised and democratically elected systems of governance which enhanced community participation.
Way to go thanks also in my Village i want development…
What sort of reporting is this? A professional journalist would have got hold of this so called Decentralisation policy and published it for analysis. Otherwise there’s nothing here. It is the usual political gas!
Miss Kama sutra you must be staying in pluto or mass this policy is long overdue & people who are vested with the interest of government works are aware of it, read it & probably also been in workshops over it. You have no idea of current affairs but just like politicking here. If you have no idea over something better to shut up & do a research, start with post news paper archives & local government.
Let it be adopted in the Constitution not Ukusabaila fye, Decentralization would be a good thing for mother Zed.
way to go.we’ve been waiting for this move since 1991. man of action…
I will not sing praises for anyone until i see the actual policy statement and how it is to be interpreted. Most of these so called Govt. policies are so vague and general in concept, that is why it is easy for Govt sometimes to maneuver around and still quote bits and pieces: “it is also govt policy to….bla bla bla”
“She urged the media to help the ministry inform and educate the public on the implementation of the policy which had already commenced with the creation of districts.” Is she referring to presido Sata’s recent creation of districts? If so, then that “policy” is hugely flawed.
She says the implementation of the policy has already commenced with the creation of districts. Is she referring to presido Sata’s recent creation of districts? If so, then that “policy” is hugely flawed.
PF GOVT
Cruel, crook and liar Maiko Sata
Chakolwa A/President Lungu
Dalo rotten tooth Sakeni
Rich fool corruppt GBM
iMMORAL CORRUPT kABIMBA
Fraudrent exam failure Masumba
Bicycle thief Namulambe
Receipt forger Mpombo
Liar, greed Nhito
Tujilkijili chain smoker Charles Katema
ARV glutton user Mphezeni
Political Prostitute, shameless belly Munkombwe
Hule Masebo
Harot Bitch Nkhomensa
zambia has not developed upto this time due to you magots who always wants to act wiser than implimenters of certain policies. some times try clossing those bicks and watch people mandated do their jobs..
Bravo, Decentralization is power and enhances development. Way to go.You have kept me quite for now
Decentralisation is a great idea and will help in bringing development to the local people as they will be able to participate in helping councils run projects and hold their local representatives accountable. Need for sensitisation so that people understand what Decentralisation is.But beware of cadres in local government
Comment:nice topic