Chililabombwe – 2nd June 2025
The Copperbelt Provincial Local Government Office (PLGO), in collaboration with delegations from the Zambia Devolution Support Program (ZDSP) and the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), today held a meeting with Chililabombwe Municipal Council and its devolved departments to provide guidance on accessing support through the ZDSP.
During the meeting, the Provincial Local Government Officer Mr. Macclaud Nyirenda emphasized that Chililabombwe Municipal Council, like all other local authorities, is eligible for the ZDSP grant provided it meets the necessary criteria set by the World Bank who are the funders of the grant.
The PLGO highlighted that once awarded, the capital grant may be used for essential development projects such as the construction and rehabilitation of feeder roads, public parks, street lighting, and community facilities among others.
Mr Nyirenda however clarified that the grant may not be used to purchase motor vehicles, with the exception of refuse collection trucks, or for the construction or furnishing of council office buildings.
The PLGO underscored Transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement in project implementation as key principles in achieving ZDSP objectives.
In her remarks, Chililabombwe Town Clerk, Mrs. Shilla Songolo, thanked the delegation for their visit and expressed the Council’s readiness to apply and benefit from the ZDSP in 2025 and beyond.
She called on all departmental heads, including the devolved to actively participate by making realistic and impactful contributions to ensure the Council qualifies for the grant.
Mrs. Songolo also reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to improving service delivery through digital transformation, including the anticipated implementation of online payments for services via the Chililabombwe Municipal Council website.
Earlier in the day, the delegation paid a courtesy call on His Worship the Mayor, Mr. Lucky Sichone and Chililabombwe District Commissioner Ms. Precious Njekwa.
The ZDSP is a government led initiative supported by the World Bank, aimed at enhancing local governance and service delivery through decentralization.
The program aligns with Zambia’s National Decentralization Policy and seeks to empower local authorities by strengthening their financial and institutional capacities.
By Nambela M. Kyombela
Assistant Public Relations Manager