In a bid to strengthen service delivery through Decentralization, the Government of the Republic of Zambia with support from World Bank has embarked on implementing a Two Hundred Ten Million (210M) funded Programme, whose objective is to strengthen Town Councils Financially through provision of Basic Capitals Grants amounting to Tow Hundred Thousand dollars (USD 200,000) per qualifying Town Council.
The Programme is called, Zambia Devolution Support Programme (ZDSP). The PMU of ZDSP is currently conducting meetings to sensitize Town Councils on the Programme and conduct an assessment of their Financial Statements. This workshop aims to help councils prepare good financial statements and meet the minimum conditions for accessing capital grants.
In North-Western Province the training is currently taking place in Solwezi. Prior to the Solwezi training, another training was conducted in Kasempa.
In addition to provision of capital grants, the ZDSP will strengthen accountability and transparency of Town Councils in the country. Targeted capacity building will be provided to Town Councils under the Programme. The Programme will also implement disbursement linked indicators aimed at improving institutional capacity of Town Councils and National government agencies like ZPPA, AOG and others.
The project will run for five years from 2022-2027.
The required minimum conditions for councils to access funds are: 1) Submission of financial statement by 31st March to Auditor General; 2) No adverse audit opinion/disclaimer of audit opinion from previous audit; 3) presenting of key personnel occupying positions; 4) Contracts awarded must have been reviewed by the procurement committee.
This programme has been rolled out in all the 10 Provinces of Zambia.
North-Western Province stands a chance to benefit from this project which will see improved service delivery.
Issued by:
Ronald Muyanga
Public Relations Officer
Zambezi Town Council
Paxina Mwiinga
Public Relations Officer
Kabompo Town Council
Kamona Lindunda
Public Relations Officer
Chavuma Town Council
Mukosela Kasalwe
Public Relations Officer
Kasempa town Council
Angel Mwela
Public Relations Officer
Town Council of Mushindamo
Rose .C. Samiselo
Public Relations Officer
Kalumbila
Joy S. Sinkala
Public Relations Officer
Solwezi Municipal Council
