The Parliamentary Committee on National Economy Trade and Labour this afternoon visited Mazabuka District in Southern Province to gather information on fiscal decentralization and its impact on the local authority. Led by Vice Committee Chairperson Joel Chibuye, the committee met with Mazabuka District Commissioner Oliver Mulomba and Mazabuka Mayor Vincent Lilanda to gather first-hand information on the achievements and challenges faced during the implementation of fiscal decentralization.
During the meeting with the Mazabuka Council Management, Town Clerk Judith Mukwita Maambo highlighted the positive impact of the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF) on the district’s development. She emphasized the need for more support for Ward development committees and further decentralization of the contracts approval process. Maambo also mentioned that the expanded CDF has greatly benefited the residents of Mazabuka, particularly in terms of skills development training, empowerment loans, and infrastructure development.
The committee was informed by Director Legal Edwina Mazunda that there is an adequate legal framework to support decentralization, but more support and oversight are required for its implementation. The council expressed their desire for their recommendations to be considered.
The Mayor, Mr. Lilanda stated that decentralization is a bottom-up approach that allows the local community to participate in decision-making processes, unlike the previous top-down approach.
The District Commissioner, Mr. Mulomba praised decentralization as an excellent policy that allows local people to contribute to decision-making at the district level.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chairperson Chibuye commended the active participation of the Mazabuka Council Management and appreciated their submissions. The committee is expected to consider the information gathered during the visit and make recommendations based on their findings.