Chavuma Town Council Secretary Kennedy Bwalya has observed that the formation of ward development committees (WDCs) as well as the training of members is critical now that government wants the decentralisation policy to become a reality.
Mr. Bwalya said in an interview that WDCs will be key in the implementation of various projects once all selected government departments devolve to the councils.
He disclosed that the focus of the local authority is to ensure that WDCs are formed and trained so that they know what is to be done.
He said with the formation of WDCs, people at the community level will have a say in the development process of the district.
“I also feel in town councils like Chavuma there is need to capacity build constituency development committees because they work hand in hand with ward development committees,” said Mr. Bwalya.
He said with the increase in the constituency development fund (CDF ) from K1.6 million to K25.7 million, there is need to capacity build every stakeholder involved in the utilisation of the funds.
He said with the increase in the amount of CDF, will help local authorities like Chavuma provide better services to the people.
And Mr. Bwalya has observed that there is need to introduce an architect’s office in town councils now that there will be a lot planning and drawings to be done.
He disclosed that currently, town councils do not have architectural office in the administrative structure.
“We also need the office of the quantity surveyor because of increased projects. So in terms of estimates, we need a unit of quantity surveying,” he said.
He has appealed to the people of Chavuma to work closely with the council in order to develop the district together.
