The Zambia Devolution Support Program (ZDSP) constitutes a $210 million hybrid initiative aimed at expediting Zambia’s decentralization efforts. The program is designed to fortify the financial and institutional capacities of local authorities, thereby enabling them to deliver public services more effectively, foster local development, and enhance citizen participation in governance.

Key Objectives:

Strengthen Financing: Augment the financial resources available to local authorities.

Institutional Performance: Improve the capacity of local authorities to deliver services.

Accountability: Enhance transparency and accountability in local governance.

Strategic Focus Areas:

• Sector Decentralization: Delegate powers and functions to local authorities.
• Fiscal Decentralization: Bolster intergovernmental fiscal transfers.
• Capacity Building: Develop human resource capacities and institutional systems.
• Governance: Enhance transparency and accountability.
• Local Development Planning: Support participatory planning and budgeting.
• Communication and Advocacy: Encourage citizen engagement and awareness.
• Program Management: Assure effective implementation and coordination.

Implementation:

The program is being executed by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, with assistance from the World Bank. Eligible Municipal Councils are awarded capital grants, including a basic grant of $200,000 and performance based grants up to $500,000.

Key Results:

• Improved access to public services.
• Enhanced transparency and accountability.
• Increased citizen participation in governance.
• Strengthened institutional capacities of local authorities.

The ZDSP is scheduled to operate from 2022 to 2028, focusing on supporting the Government of Zambia’s decentralization agenda.

Mazabuka Municipal Council qualified for the 2024 Devolution Support Program, the council secured a substantial amount of USD 512,195.11 which is K 12.4 million, which will have a positive impact on the district’s development. So far, the projects have been identified approved by ZEMA and bill of quantities have been made. Above is the list of projects identified