The District Devolution Task Force Committee has gotten orientation on the devolution and decentralisation process of government ministries and functions.
Lusaka Province Local Government Officer Charliston Hamulyata, explains that government is implementing the National Decentralisation Policy in line with the provisions of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016 under Articles 147 and 151.
Speaking during the orientation in Lusaka, Mr. Hamulyata said the government has made progress in the decentralisation process through the formulation of operationalised decentralisation Policy Committees and Technical Working Groups at national, provincial and district level.
“One notable achievement in the decentralisation process is the moving of the Decentralisation Secretariat from the Local Government and Cabinet Office for effective implementation of the policy in a fair and transparent manner,” he explained.
He told the committee that the major role of the task force is to undertake regular sensitisation campaigns to inform all stakeholders on the progress of decentralisation and other related matters.
Decentralisation is supported by the Constitution of Zambia in Article 147 including the fiscal decentralization supported by Article 147 section 2 annex C, where exclusive functions of the Local Authority are clearly stated
“If we read Article 152 part 1 and 2, read with the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019, we will clearly see the functions of civic leaders where the general administration of the district is prescribed, and therefore, all task force members must familiarize themselves with these documents”, he explained.
Despite the progress being made in the decentralisation progress, there has been challenges faced previously such as the slow pace at which the process is taking, lack of political will in the previous years, government policy changes,
The task force committee includes government departments among them the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), Fishers, Health, Cultural Affairs, Labour Office and representatives from District Administration.
Other members include the Town Clerk, Direct-Planning, Director of Works, Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), Civil Society and Trade Union representative.
