Mayors Must Improve Local Authority Supervision – LGRD Minister

Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Gift Sialubalo, called on Mayors and Council Chairpersons to enhance their supervisory roles in local authorities.

Addressing Mayors and Council Chairpersons at Lusaka’s Nakatindi Hall on Friday, 16 May, Sialubalo told his audience that Mayors and Council Chairpersons need to unite and ensure service delivery is improved as well as revenue collection.

“Local authority workers should know that you were elected to deliver through them,” said the Local Government and Rural Development Minister

Mr Sialubalo also expressed his dissatisfaction at a lack of accountability in local delivery: “We need to be a shining example as leaders,” said Sialubalo, “where is the supervision for mayors who only report to work twice a week?”

Later in the meeting, Local Government Permanent Secretary Gabriel Pollen added that it is unacceptable for local authorities not to use funds when Zambians are yearning for a service.

“We see local authorities sitting on money despite writing to their parent ministries asking for additional funds. We are of the view that it is unacceptable for funds to sit for an extended period of time when the public is yearning for goods, services and works that can enhance their welfare.”