Acting Minister Urges Local Authorities to Innovate and Boost Efficiency

In a compelling address at the Joint 67th Annual Conference of the Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) and the 20th General Assembly of the Alliance of Mayors and Municipal Leaders Initiative for Community Action on AIDS at the Local Level (AMICAALL), Acting Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mike Mposha, called on local authorities to seize opportunities, drive efficiency, and foster innovation in revenue generation.

Mposha emphasized that the government has substantially increased resources allocated to local authorities as part of its commitment to fiscal decentralization. He assured attendees that the government would continue to provide policy and legislative support to enable local authorities to deliver quality services effectively.

Addressing the theme of the conference, "Unlocking the Potential of Local Government for Transformative Socio-Economic Development," Mposha highlighted the growing expectations of local government leadership, stressing the importance of visionary leadership, accountability, and prudent resource management.

He encouraged strategic partnerships with stakeholders at all levels to enhance service delivery and reiterated the government's dedication to decentralization through devolution, a strategy aimed at fostering socio-economic transformation and community-led development.

Mposha underscored the pivotal role of local authorities in achieving inclusive and community-led development, emphasizing the government's commitment to strengthening local capacities, including human resources, integrated development planning, budgeting, and financial management. He also urged the use of information communication technology to enhance operations and service delivery.

Furthermore, Mposha urged local authorities to develop strategies for managing existing debt and ensuring responsible future borrowing. He commended the Local Government Association of Zambia for its proactive role in fulfilling the mandate of local authorities.

LGAZ President Vincent Lilanda called on the government to assist local authorities in liquidating their debt, which stands at K4.3 billion. He emphasized the need to resolve challenges in project implementation, align Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects, and ensure districts retain five percent of generated funds. Additionally, Lilanda expressed concern about the high number of audit queries faced by councils and the need for increased women's representation in local governments.

In his closing remarks, Mposha stressed the importance of translating agreements into action, aligning with the expectations of the Zambian people.

The conference provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration to enhance the role of local government in driving socio-economic development in Zambia.