Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Administration, Gabriel Pollen, says councils plays a critical role in improving the welfare of communities through effective service delivery and inclusive development.
Dr Pollen has since called on Chongwe Mayor, Frederick Sashi, to work closely with all councilors, regardless of their political affiliations, to ensure that development projects are implemented and completed through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Speaking during the installation of the Mayor in Chongwe district, Dr Pollen said development must be inclusive and benefit all sections of society, including women, young people and persons with disabilities.
“Development must be inclusive and this includes women, youths and persons with disabilities,” Dr Pollen said.
He urged the local authority to prioritise the Keep Zambia Clean, Green and Healthy campaign, emphasising that maintaining a clean and healthy environment was a collective responsibility.
Dr Pollen said the installation of Mr Sashi marked the beginning of a new chapter in the development of the district.
He urged the newly installed mayor to serve the people with humility, integrity and dedication while upholding the rule of law.
Dr Pollen further encouraged council workers to discharge their duties professionally and work together to improve service delivery.
He called on the local authority to ensure that the construction of the new market was completed and that traders were relocated to designated trading areas to curb street vending.
Former Chongwe Mayor, Christopher Habeenzu, has congratulated Mr Sashi on assuming the mantle of leadership and urged councilors to support the mayor in delivering development to the district.
Mr Habeenzu said all councilors have been elected by the people and should therefore work together in the interest of the community.
He noted that several development projects were undertaken during his tenure, including the procurement of an earth-moving machine to enhance service delivery in the district.
Mr Habeenzu said the initiatives contributed to improving community welfare, adding that services such as fire response and revenue collection had also improved.
Mr Sashi thanked the people of Chongwe for electing him as mayor, pledging to serve them with integrity and commitment.
He also expressed gratitude to all those who supported him throughout his political journey and acknowledged the contribution of his predecessor in laying a foundation for continued development.
“I thank everyone who has supported me since I began my political journey and I also wish to thank the outgoing mayor for laying a good foundation,” he said.
He pledged to push forward outstanding development projects, support the national development agenda and promote job creation in the district.
Mr Sashi called for teamwork among councilors and council officials, regardless of their political affiliations, saying unity was essential to achieving meaningful development.
Chongwe Town Clerk, Carol Mkandawire, congratulated Mr Sashi on his election, noting that he had a significant responsibility to advance development in the district.
Ms Mkandawire said the local authority should align its development programmes with the Grow Zambia Agenda and work towards achieving the targets under the 10-10-5-3-3-1-1.1 framework.
She added that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was an important resource that could help the council implement developmental projects and improve the welfare of residents.
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