President Hichilema Calls for Lower Council Rates and Greater Local Accountability

President Hakainde Hichilema has directed Local Government Minister Gift Sialubalo to reduce council rates, arguing that excessive charges are the primary reason residents are failing to pay.

Speaking to councillors on Monday, the President urged a shift toward moderate, collectible rates supported by modern digital payment systems. "You lower the tariff, you collect more," he said, warning councillors against voting for higher rates when collection remains poor. "That's how tax theory works — a fair tax rate, higher collections and you will have more revenue."

President Hichilema also used the occasion to champion personal responsibility in maintaining clean, well-kept communities, citing his own property as an example and calling on councils to enforce by-laws on cleanliness, property upkeep and the elimination of abandoned buildings.

The President highlighted the transformation of the Constituency Development Fund as evidence of his government's commitment to local empowerment. CDF allocations have risen dramatically from K1.6 million per constituency under the previous administration to K40 million today — equivalent to over US$2 million at current exchange rates. He noted that some of his own MPs had doubted such an increase was achievable while in opposition, but the funds are now flowing to all 156 constituencies without discrimination.

President Hichilema also underlined the importance of Bill 7, which reintegrates MPs into council structures, ensuring parliamentarians share responsibility for local service delivery alongside their fellow councillors. He described the move as a deliberate, calculated step toward more cohesive governance.