LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN ZAMBIA

A local government is a group of people who manage or administer public affair in a given area or locality.

A locality can be a Province, District, Ward, Municipality or City. Local councils are local government that fall under the ministry of Local government.

History of Local Government

• Since independence in 1964, local government structures have gone through various changes aimed at decentralizing government.
• Decentralizing means shifting the responsibilities of some government functions from the central government to local government structures.
• By 1927, there were four types of councils namely city, municipal, township and rural councils.
• Mayors were elected to be civic leaders of city and municipal councils while in township and rural they were called Chairmen.
• Chief administrative officers in city and municipal councils were Town clerks while in a township and rural were called secretaries.
• The decentralization system existed for ten year and was replaced by the 1991 Local Government Act.
• This act introduced a system of local government similar to that of 1965.
• Three types of local councils were established: city, municipal and district council.

Powers and functions of councils

• Allocation of sites for residential and industrial development
• Collection and disposal of refuse (rubbish)
• Issuing of trading licenses
• Maintenance of roads
• Maintenance of waterworks
• Providing street lighting
• Provision of recreational facilities such as parks, swimming pools etc.

Councils also raise funds by:

• Collecting rates and rent on people’s property.
• Borrowing money from financial institutions such as banks, building societies etc.
• Engaging in business undertaking such as taverns, bottle stores, and motel.
• Collecting rent and rates. Rents are money paid to the council by people who live in council houses. Rates are paid by people who own property in a council area.
• Collecting personal levy from all working residents
• Receiving annual grants from central government.
• Buying shares in companies where they obtain dividends or royalties

NOTE:

• Each council is demarcated into small areas called wards.
• Therefore, a councilor represents a ward.
• At the first meeting of the elected councilors, elections are held to choose mayors. Mayors stay in office for one year and may seek re-election for a second term but they cannot serve a third term.
• Another method foe which councilors are selected is by nominating eminent long serving persons who are experienced in a particular field.
• Long serving members of the council are called Aldermen.

House of chiefs

• Chiefs are traditional rulers.
• They enjoy a special social position in the governance of the country, although they don’t take sides in political parties.

Roles of traditional leaders

• Their role is to provide leadership in the community and act as custodians that protect traditional values and land.

Composition of the House of Chiefs

• Chiefs belong to different royal establishments in various parts of the country.
• At provincial level, they form provincial chiefs’ council.
• The provincial chiefs’ councils select three members from each province to represent the province in the house of chiefs at national level.
• The head of the House of Chiefs is a Chairperson, elected among members of the house.
• The central government appoints a Clerk of the house of Chiefs.
• This person functions as the secretary and administrative head of the house.
• The House of Chiefs was re-established in 2003 under article 1996 of the constitution.
• The aim was to promote decentralization of the local government system so that local authorities could provide efficient and effective service delivery.

The Role of the House of Chiefs

• The house of chiefs advises the central government on all matters related to traditions
• Advising central government on the development of chiefdoms
• Discussing any bill or matter referred to it by the President before it is presented in parliament.
• Dealing with matters that relate to customary law and practice.

Revision questions

1. Discuss the significance of the Doctrine of the Principle of Separation of Powers
2. Mention the three branches of government and discuss the functions of each of these organs of government
3. Compare and contrast the characteristics of Central and Local Government