The newly installed Mayor of Chongwe Municipal Council, His Worship Frederick Sashi, has been urged to prioritise effective municipal services, accountability and inclusive development to improve the lives of residents. Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Administration, Dr Gabriel Pollen, delivered the message during the mayoral installation ceremony, emphasising the important role local authorities play in translating government policies into practical benefits for communities. He called on the mayor, councillors, council management and staff to work together in unity and professionalism to accelerate development across Chongwe. Dr Pollen also highlighted the importance of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), environmental protection and community participation in improving local services. In accepting his new role, Mayor Sashi reaffirmed his commitment to servant leadership and inclusive development under the slogan “Chongwe for All of Us,” pledging to work with the government and community stakeholders to improve infrastructure and public service delivery.
Dr Pollen stressed that local authorities are essential to Zambia’s development because they implement national policies and programmes at the community level. Municipal councils are often the first point of contact for residents seeking services related to waste management, sanitation, local infrastructure, public spaces and other aspects of community development. Their performance can directly affect the quality of life in urban and peri-urban areas, where population growth can increase demand for housing, roads, drainage systems and other essential services. For Chongwe, effective municipal administration will require careful planning, efficient use of public resources and consistent engagement with residents. The Permanent Secretary therefore urged the new mayor and the council workforce to cooperate in delivering services that respond to the needs of the local population. Strong coordination between elected leaders and council officials will be important in turning development plans into visible improvements across the municipality.