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Northern Province Minister, Leonard Mbao, has called for the decentralisation of the Local Government Service Commission to all provinces and districts to ensure effective implementation of the decentralisation policy.
Speaking during the launch of the Northern and Luapula Provinces Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) in Kasama on Friday, Mbao said decentralisation would facilitate quicker decision-making, address skills gaps, motivate employees, and expedite the resolution of disciplinary cases.
The event was officiated by Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Gary Nkombo, who also launched the IDPs.
Mbao commended government’s efforts to bring development closer to communities and highlighted the importance of improving road infrastructure in the two provinces.
“A good road network enhances the transportation of goods, services, and people, while also promoting trade and economic growth. It provides access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and emergency services,” Mbao stated.
He urged the government to allocate more resources toward feeder roads, lamenting their poor condition in strategic areas.
Mbao also noted that the improved Constituency Development Fund (CDF) reflects the government’s commitment to decentralisation and called for the expedited devolution of services to local authorities.
“Our request is that the government fast-tracks the devolution process to ensure all district-level services are delivered through local authorities. This will enhance service delivery and make development more inclusive,” he added.
In his remarks, Nkombo tasked district authorities in the two provinces to prioritize the implementation of key projects outlined in the IDPs. He also urged them to actively engage communities to foster a sense of ownership.
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“Mobilize resources from both public and private sectors to support implementation and establish a robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism to track progress and make necessary adjustments,” Nkombo said.
He further emphasized the importance of citizen-friendly IDPs to simplify content, enhance public understanding, and encourage citizen participation in development processes.
Nkombo assured that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development would continue providing policy and technical support to ensure the plans deliver meaningful outcomes.
“IDPs are comprehensive frameworks that harmonize spatial and socio-economic planning to ensure a holistic approach to development. They address critical challenges such as infrastructure deficits, socio-economic inequalities, and environmental degradation, ensuring development is equitable, inclusive, and impactful,” Nkombo stated.
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