MUTINTA hails progress in devolution drive

By Justine Akakulubelwa

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Local Governance, Housing and Chiefs Affairs, TWAAMBO MUTINTA, says the committee is impressed with progress that has been made in the devolution process.

Mr. MUTINTA says despite some bottlenecks, the process of devolving some government departments to local authorities, in the districts, is progressing well.

Speaking to ZNBC News after the committee met officials from Livingstone City and Zimba Town Councils, Mr. MUTINTA urged the local authorities and the devolved departments to work as a team.

And Mwansabombwe Member of Parliament, KABASO KAMPAMPI, urged the local authorities to remain focused and ensure that the public benefit from the devolution process.

Lufwanyama Member of Parliament, KENNY SIACHISUMO, said there is need to harmonise the reporting system for effective results.

Mr. SIACHISUMO said the current state of affairs where some devolved departments at the two councils, are reporting directly to their parent ministries, undermines the essence of the devolution process.

Meanwhile, Livingstone Mayor CONSTANCE MULEABAI encouraged the committee to have more engagements with the local authority to enhance service delivery.