Reported by: The Agency Media
Date: 11th April, 2025.
Choma, Southern Province, Zambia.
The Parliamentary Committee on Local Government, Housing and Chiefs Affairs has commenced its oversight mission in Southern Province, engaging local stakeholders to evaluate progress in the implementation of Zambia’s devolution agenda.
Led by Committee Chairperson Hon. Twaambo Mutinta, MP for Itezhi-Tezhi, the delegation met with Southern Province Permanent Secretary Dr. Namani Monze as part of a national tour aimed at strengthening public service delivery through decentralization.
The engagement follows the enactment of the 2023–2024 government circular, which formalizes the transfer of specific functions from the central government to local authorities. The policy is central to Zambia’s strategy to improve accountability, empower local governance structures, and accelerate community-driven development.
Dr. Monze underscored the provincial administration’s alignment with the policy, emphasizing the transformative potential of devolution.
“Decentralization enhances efficiency by aligning services with local priorities, thereby improving outcomes in sectors that directly impact citizens’ lives,” he noted.
Hon. Mutinta reiterated the committee’s commitment to ensuring the policy translates into tangible improvements on the ground. “Our objective is to identify gaps in capacity, assess the adequacy of resource allocation, and ensure that devolved functions are supported to meet community needs effectively,” he said.
The committee’s itinerary includes consultative meetings with officials and stakeholders in Pemba, Choma, Kalomo, and Sinazongwe districts. Sectors under review include Health, Agriculture, Fisheries, Transport, and Livestock—critical pillars in the local development matrix.
This oversight mission forms part of Parliament’s broader mandate to monitor the impact of national policies, foster transparency, and support sustainable development through accountable governance systems.
The Agency.