President Hakainde Hichilema swore in Mr. Gift Sialubalo as Zambia’s new Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, entrusting him with the critical responsibility of overseeing grassroots development and strengthening the link between the central government and local communities.
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development plays a pivotal role in implementing policies that drive infrastructural and social advancements across Zambia’s constituencies. Under its jurisdiction, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has been expanded to address pressing local needs, including service delivery improvements and community-driven projects.
President Hakainde Hichilema has directed the new Local Government Minister, Gift Sialubalo, to enhance collaborations with other ministries.
President Hichilema has explained that government has set clear targets in developmental programmes, which he expects to be undertaken. He has noted that it is therefore unacceptable that he sometimes has to repeatedly remind some ministers about their deliverables.
Speaking at State House when he swore in Mr. Sialubalo, President Hichilema said the Ministry should also ensure infrastructure, such as new schools and classrooms, are built using the Constituency Development Fund – CDF.
He says the Ministry of Local Government should also focus on service delivery, as it serves as the link between the people and the central government.
President Hichilema has directed the Ministry of Local Government to start grading feeder roads next month, in districts where the rainy season has ended.
He says government has bought earth moving equipment using CDF and that fuel for their operation has been budgeted for and that there is no excuse for the works not to start.
President Hichilema says he will NOT accept any excuses regarding this assignment, as everything required for the exercise is available. Read more
Masauso Mkwayaya (ZNBC)
Tuesday March 31,2025