THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM
Before independence in 1964, the British colonial Administration ruled the country through the central government and native authorities.
Duties performed by Native Authorities
- Collection of taxes like the poll tax and hut tax.
- They also issued licenses such as dog license, bicycle license and store license tom people.
From 1964, the Ministry of Local Government became responsible for the administration of all local authorities in the country which included chiefs appointed by the Minister of Local Government. These councils were to provide a limited range of basic essential services. In 1965, the local government act number 69 was amended to establish a basically uniform pattern of local authorities throughout Zambia. Under the Act, there were city councils, Municipal councils Town councils, and rural councils.
In 1980, the local government Decentralization act was enacted. UNIP assumed full responsibility
Reasons for decentralization
- reduce delays as the most decisions could be made on the spot to headquarters
- Make plans and programs more relevant to local needs and conditions
- Improve coordination between different government agencies in an area
- Reduce the burden on senor staff at national level so as to improve their performance
The composition of District councils
- District governor- chairperson
- District political secretary
- District women’s chairperson
- Two trustees
- Ward councilors Members of parliament from areas
- One representative of chiefs elected by chiefs in the district
- One representative from each of the security forces
- One representative from each Trade Union
The District council Administration was headed by the district executive secretary and supported by nine secretaries. These were secretaries for political, administration Social Security, finance, and development, commercial, legal and industrial affairs
In 1991, the decentralization Act was amended. The new Act introduced three types of local councils namely city, Municipal, and District councils. This system has continued up to date. The MMD government wanted to give more autonomy to councils so that there was less dependence on central government for funds. It also made councils to operate freely from political interference since all councilors were elected by the people.
The current composition of local councils
- Mayor of the council
- Deputy mayor or Deputy council; chairperson
- Ward councilors
- Area member of parliament
- 3 chiefs representative
- 1 representative from the Labour Movement
- The town clerk or the district Secretary (Ex official members)
Mayors and Town clerks are found in city and municipal councils, whereas chairpersons and district Secretaries are found in District councils. The administrative structure is headed by the town clerk or the District Secretary. He/ she are assisted by Directors such as:-
- Director health
- Director finance
- Director engineering
- Director works
Functions of the local council
- Provide clean and safe water
- Provide accommodation and plots for development
- Maintaining the environment awarding trading licenses to people
- Provide street lighting
- Maintaining streets and roads
- Maintaining grave yards
- Controlling livestock movement
- Constructing and maintaining markets
- Town planning
- Sewage disposal
- Providing recreation facilities such as swimming pools and parks
- Providing public health facilities and control of epidemics such as cholera
- Providing education facilities such as schools
- Collecting levies
- Making by laws
ROLE TRADITIONAL LEADERS IN GOVERNANCE
Queens, Kings, chiefs, Village heads and elders are the people who are referred to as Traditional Leaders. During the colonial era (1890-1964) the colonial power recognized the importance of involving traditional leaders in governance. Britain adopted a policy known as an indirect rule which meant governing the people through their traditional structures.
House of Chiefs
The house consists of 30 chiefs from each of then the ten provinces. The term of office for the elected chiefs is three years but a member can be re-elected for a second term. The house elects a chairperson and the vice who take an oath of allegiance (Loyalty to the president).
Functions of the house of chiefs
- To discuss any bill affecting customs and traditions of people before such bill is introduced in the National Assembly.
- To initiate discussions and pass decisions on matters concerning customary law and customs.
- To discuss and decide on any matters referred to the house by the president.
- To submit the resolutions of the house to the president, who would in turn submit them to the National Assembly for consideration
SHORTCOMINGS OF THE HOUSE OF CHIEFS
- The house of chiefs has been criticized as a mere costly talking shop because it play an insignificant advisory role and it has no real influence on issues of development and governance
- The 1996 amended constitution of Zambia of does not allow chiefs to join a political party or to contest an election
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
- Discuss the characteristics of bad governance.
- Define governance.
- Outline the features of good governance?
- Describe the different electoral systems.
- What can happen elements of good governance are not observed?
- Describe the electoral system used in Zambia.
- Give an example of election rigging in Zambia.
- Explain with practical examples the major role of the local council in Zambia.
- Outline what could happen if the constitution does not stand the test of time.
- Differentiate good governance from bad governance.
- State the characteristics of elections in good governance.
