LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS IN ZAMBIA

The legal framework governing local authorities in Zambia is primarily anchored in the Constitution of Zambia, Article 109(1). The detailed provisions regulating the establishment, administration, and functions of local authorities are contained in the Local Government Act, Cap 281 of the Laws of Zambia, and the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019.

These Acts outline the creation of councils, their composition, procedures, committee structures, financial management systems, regulatory powers, and the appointment of Local Government Administrators.
Under this legislation, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development has the authority to establish City, Municipal, District, Township Councils, and Management Boards.

Currently, Zambia has:

• 5 City Councils

• Over 13 Municipal Councils

• More than 54 Town Councils, including Mufumbwe Town Council.

FUNCTIONS OF COUNCILS IN ZAMBIA

The mandates of all councils—whether City, Municipal, or Town—are derived from the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019 and other relevant statutes. Section 61 of the Act outlines the core functions of councils, with further details provided in the Second Schedule.

Below are some of the key functions of Local Authorities in Zambia:

• Promote law and order and ensure effective local administration in support of national security.

• Regulate the keeping and movement of livestock; oversee slaughtering of animals, sale of meat, and disposal of carcasses unfit for human consumption.

• Support storage, marketing, and preservation of agricultural produce; conserve natural resources; and prevent soil erosion.

• Control the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of petroleum products, fireworks, gas, and other hazardous substances.

• Provide and maintain clean water supplies and establish water works and water mains.

• Construct and maintain public roads, streets, sanitary lanes, bridges, and watercourses, and remove obstructions.

• Establish and manage sanitation and drainage systems for effective waste and effluent disposal.

• Register births, marriages, deaths, clubs, and keep records necessary for local administration.

• Establish and maintain colleges, schools, and day-care facilities.

• Develop and administer community participation programmes in local development.

• Provide and maintain street lighting in public spaces.

• Establish and operate fire-fighting and fire prevention services.

• Regulate food-related businesses, including manufacturing, storage, sale, and handling of food and beverages.

• Regulate land use, building construction, and zoning to promote public health, safety, and orderly development.

• Demolish or remove structures that endanger public health or safety or fail to comply with approved plans.

• Establish and maintain public amenities such as parks, gardens, zoos, open spaces, and recreational facilities.

• Provide and maintain hospitals, clinics, health centres, and environmental health services.

• Establish and maintain cemeteries, crematoria, and mortuaries, and make provisions for the burial of destitute persons.

CREDIBILITY OF THE COUNCIL

The credibility of Mufumbwe Town Council is rooted in its status as a corporate body established by an Act of Parliament, functioning as an agent of the Central Government in promoting political, social, and economic development at the grassroots level.

Local councils operate as representative governance structures, elected by the people to make policies and decisions at the local level. This system supports bottom-up decision-making, ensuring that community needs and priorities inform council actions.

Citizens participate in local governance by electing:

• Councilors, and

• Ward Development Committees,

who articulate community needs within the Council. In addition, area-based interest groups play an active role in community development. Any resident of a ward is free to seek election as a Councilor, ensuring representation that is inclusive and community-driven.