Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary – Technical Services, Mr. Nicholas Phiri, today paid a courtesy call on the Office of the Provincial Permanent Secretary, Colonel Grandson Wishikoti Katambi, in Solwezi.
The visit forms part of the Permanent Secretary’s programme in North-Western Province, where he is on the ground to inspect and appreciate roads earmarked for financing by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
Following the courtesy call, Mr. Phiri proceeded to hold an interactive meeting with members of staff at Solwezi Municipal Council.
During the engagement, the Permanent Secretary addressed a range of issues, key among them:
A call for renewed commitment and hard work from all local authority staff to ensure delivery of development to communities.
An announcement that the Cash for Work Programme, which was initially scheduled to end on 30th June 2025, will be extended beyond that date, allowing more citizens to benefit and contribute to community service.
Remarks on the implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Solwezi, where he acknowledged progress made but urged the local authority to push for even better outcomes.
A strong affirmation of the government’s commitment to decentralisation through devolution, stating that it is here to stay and must be fully embraced by all players.
A directive to all officers from the eight ministries that have been devolved to local authorities to fully report and operate within Council structures, reinforcing that they are now one unified team under the Council’s leadership.
During the same meeting, the Town Clerk provided an overview of key developmental initiatives undertaken by the local authority. These included:
P️rogress on the construction of township roads
Updates on the use of the Constituency Development Fund (2022 to date)
Implementation status of the Cash for Work Programme
Utilisation of the Sector Grant to support service deliveryMr. Phiri closed the session by once again calling on all members of staff to remain focused and dedicated to their responsibilities, noting that meaningful development can only be achieved through unity, discipline, and efficient service delivery.
