President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing decentralisation and improving service delivery at the grassroots, highlighting Councillors as key partners in national development. Speaking during the first ever Special Meeting with 1,832 Councillors from across the country, he stressed that their role in implementing the Government’s agenda cannot be overstated. Councillors were described as the Government’s foot soldiers who bring development closer to the people at ward level. The President emphasised that progress at the community level is foundational for national transformation, urging each Councillor to take ownership of development within their jurisdictions. He framed decentralisation as both an opportunity and a responsibility, one that requires diligence, integrity, and accountability.
President Hichilema acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with devolved authority, reminding Councillors that greater power demands greater accountability. He encouraged them to exercise transparency, fairness, and integrity in their duties, prioritising the national interest above personal or partisan gains. The President underlined that development begins at the ward level, and the collective efforts of Councillors will determine the success of national initiatives. He called for stronger collaboration between the Central Government and local representatives to ensure that service delivery addresses the immediate needs and aspirations of communities. This partnership approach is intended to streamline programmes, improve responsiveness, and make governance more citizen-centered.
A key area emphasised by the President was environmental management and sanitation, urging Councillors to champion cleanliness in their wards. He noted that accountability must start at the most local level, and when each ward takes responsibility for its surroundings, the country as a whole benefits from a cleaner, healthier, and more orderly environment. President Hichilema also reiterated Government’s continued support for decentralisation through interventions such as the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF). He highlighted that the CDF empowers communities to identify and implement projects that directly improve livelihoods, drive inclusive growth, generate jobs, and develop local infrastructure, ensuring tangible outcomes from public investments.
Digital transformation and financial sustainability were additional focal points during the Special Meeting. The President directed all local authorities to accelerate the adoption of digital systems to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in service delivery. He also urged Councillors to avoid excessive tax increments, noting that fair and reasonable tax rates increase compliance and strengthen revenue collection. In addressing concerns about their conditions of service, he committed to reviewing support structures to ensure Councillors have the resources needed to execute their responsibilities effectively. Councillors were challenged to innovate and explore alternative revenue streams, reinforcing the financial independence of local authorities and accelerating development at ward and district levels.
President Hichilema concluded by stressing that the decentralisation agenda remains central to the Government’s development strategy. Councillors are expected to act as proactive agents of change, ensuring that national priorities translate into measurable improvements at the community level. By combining integrity, accountability, innovation, and collaboration with citizens and central authorities, local leaders can strengthen service delivery, promote sustainable development, and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous Zambia. This meeting underscored the Government’s dedication to empowering local representatives and building a system where every ward plays a role in the country’s transformation.