Solwezi Acting District Commissioner Anthony Fulwe says the government is committed to decentralisation as a key strategy for strengthening democracy and local government.
Mr Fulwe said through the National decentralisation policy and the devolution of functions, the government is strengthening the capacity of local authorities to respond to the needs and priorities of their communities.
Speaking when he graced the 2026 Africa Decentralisation Day held in Solwezi, Mr Fulwe said decentralisation is not only about transferring responsibilities from the National to local level but about empowering communities, strengthening local democracy and ensuring that citizens benefit from development regardless of their location.
Mr Fulwe said that the importance of decentralisation is evident in the improved access to essential services such as clean water, healthcare, sanitation, education, local roads and other public infrastructure.
The Acting DC has further urged local authorities in North-Western Province to prioritise the needs of their communities in development planning and budgeting.
He added that decentralization also benefits vulnerable groups including women and young people by participating in local governance, influencing development priorities and holding public institutions accountable.
“I call upon traditional leaders to encourage community participation, cooperating partners and the private sector to support local development priorities and citizens to actively participate in ward development committees, public consultations and other government platforms,” he said.
Meanwhile, Council Town Clerk Damson Mukwato said decentralization has played a key role in taking public services closer to the communities in the district.
He further assured the community of the local authority’s commitment to continued delivery of quality public services.
Mr Mukwato said this in a speech read for him by Solwezi Municipal Council Public Health Director Castro Chisanga
Africa Decentralisation Day is a National annual event observed on October 15 to highlight the role of local governments in strengthening democracy, improving service delivery, boosting citizen participation and driving sustainable community development.
This year’s event was held under the theme: Empowering local governments for sustainable water and sanitation: advancing resilient, inclusive and sustainable territories towards agenda 2063.
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