Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Administration, Gabriel Pollen, has called on all local authorities across the country to align their developmental programmes with the Grow Zambia Agenda.
Speaking during the installation of Choma Mayor, Honest Mweemba, Dr Pollen said local authorities should leverage their economic potential and identify programmes that can actualise the Grow Zambia Agenda for the benefit of the local people.
He said local authorities should utilise the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to implement projects that create jobs, promote investment and stimulate local production to improve household livelihoods.
“The council has a critical responsibility to translate national development policies into services that people can see and experience,” he said.
Dr Pollen further called for enhanced cooperation among councils, government institutions and Members of Parliament to ensure development reaches both rural and urban communities.
Earlier, during a courtesy call on Southern Province Permanent Secretary, Gift Monde, Dr Pollen emphasised the need for the province to explore ways of harnessing its contribution to the presidential target of one billion dollars in beef exports.
He said Southern Province, being a cattle hub, could establish an aggregation centre for bulking and value addition in Choma to serve as a transit centre for exports.
Meanwhile, Mr Monde said the province had already begun engaging stakeholders on the implementation of the Grow Zambia Agenda.
“Since the President’s policy direction, as a province, we have already held two meetings and planned another meeting with chiefs in the province to ensure full participation of everyone,” he explained.
And Choma Mayor Honest Mweemba has pledged to work with the people of Choma to achieve the President’s vision of economic growth through the responsible and accountable use of public resources.
“Our vision is to grow the economy of Choma, as espoused in the Grow Zambia Agenda, attract investment, see youths employed and ensure that opportunities reach all corners of the district,” he said.
Mr Mweemba said he would prioritise the improvement of road infrastructure and the provision of clean and safe water for the people of Choma.
He also called on residents to unite in fostering the growth of Choma and support efforts to make the town a city by 2031.
Meanwhile, outgoing Mayor, Javen Simoloka, noted that the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF) had facilitated the provision of health and education infrastructure over the past five years.
“The enhanced Constituency Development Fund has been instrumental in advancing rural development,” he said.
The installation of Choma Mayor Honest Mweemba marks the beginning of his five-year mandate.
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