Maravi

LCC calls for reforms to local governance system

LCC calls for reforms to local governance system
By Florence Bupe
Sun 07 Mar. 2010, 07:10 CAT

THE Lusaka City Council (LCC) has called for reforms to the local governance system as a means of enhancing service delivery.

Appearing before the parliamentary committee on local governance and chiefs’ affairs, LCC acting town clerk Bornwell Luanga said the development of local communities could only be achieved through the effective functioning of local authorities.

He said the revenue base for most local authorities was low and unable to sustain development. Luanga called for reforms to the authorities’ financial systems.

“Whereas the central government has undergone a number of reforms, the local government service has been the only sub-government organ that has not benefitted or restructured to improve on its service delivery,” he said.

Luanga said the reintroduction of the local government service commission was critical for the reformation of the local government system.

“It is our view that the commission will be composed of members with competent professional background to serve and revive the local government system,” he said.

Luanga said the commission would be mandated to study the challenges that had caused the local authorities’ failure to perform satisfactorily.

He recommended to the committee that the Republican President appoint the commission upon recommendation from the local government minister.

“It is also recommended that the local government service commission should operate directly under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, being the supervising ministry for all local authorities,” said Luanga.

Labels: BORNWELL LUANGA, LCC, LOCAL GOVERNMENT

posted by MrK @ 7:37 PM