Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development-Zambia

𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗜𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗢 𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗙𝗙 𝗔𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honourable Gift Sialubalo, MP, hosted members of staff from the Ministry to a dignified farewell dinner as his tenure draws to a close ahead of the dissolution of Parliament on 13th May 2026.

The evening was marked by a reflective and appreciative tone, bringing together officers from across the Ministry in a moment that blended gratitude, closure, and pride in the collective work achieved during his time in office.

In his farewell remarks, Honourable Sialubalo expressed heartfelt appreciation to members of staff for their diligence, loyalty, and professionalism throughout his tenure. He noted that he does not take their efforts lightly, emphasising that their commitment has been instrumental in driving the Ministry’s agenda and delivering tangible results for communities across the country.

Hon. Sialubalo added that the milestones recorded during his time in office were a direct reflection of teamwork and shared purpose, and he expressed confidence that the foundation laid would continue to yield positive impact beyond his tenure.

Also speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary – Administration, Dr. Gabriel Pollen, commended the Minister for his leadership and dedication, noting that his tenure had provided strong guidance and clear direction to the Ministry.

A vote of thanks was delivered by Provincial Local Government Officer, Mr. Charlston Hamulyata, who expressed appreciation to the Minister for his leadership and guidance during his time at the helm of the Ministry.

The farewell dinner concluded on a note of appreciation and mutual respect, with staff acknowledging the Minister’s leadership, while he, in turn, left them with a message of gratitude and encouragement as he takes leave of public office.

“𝗪𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗬 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦” – 𝗛𝗢𝗡. 𝗚𝗜𝗙𝗧 𝗦𝗜𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗢

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening fire and emergency services across the country in recognition of the critical role firefighters play in safeguarding lives and property.

Speaking during the commemoration of International Firefighters’ Day held in Lusaka on Monday, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honourable Gift Sialubalo, said government was actively investing in improving fire response systems and infrastructure.

Mr. Sialubalo noted that firefighters continue to demonstrate exceptional courage and dedication, often operating under hazardous conditions to protect communities. He commended emergency responders for their professionalism and selfless service, describing them as among the country’s bravest public servants.

He outlined several measures government has undertaken to enhance fire services, including the construction of new fire stations in Lusaka and Kasama funded by the Ministry, as well as additional facilities in Mpika, Siavonga, and Chirundu supported by local authorities.

The Minister further revealed that a Fire Bill is currently at an advanced stage and is expected to strengthen fire prevention and response mechanisms once enacted. He said the proposed legislation would establish a modern and well-coordinated national emergency response system.

He added that government is prioritising capacity building through training programmes, as well as improving mobility, communication systems, and overall disaster preparedness to enhance efficiency in emergency response.

Meanwhile, the Minister emphasised that fire safety remains a shared responsibility, urging communities, businesses, and institutions to comply with safety regulations and invest in preventive measures such as early warning systems and functional fire hydrants.

He called on citizens to support fire services by taking proactive steps in fire prevention, noting that community vigilance significantly improves the effectiveness and safety of firefighting operations.

Today, Zambia commemorates the Labour Day, under the theme “𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤: 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐨𝐛𝐬, 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥,”
Here, some highlights of the commemoration in Sinazongwe District, officiated by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Honourable Gift Sialubalo, who is also Sinazongwe Constituency Member of Parliament.



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HAPPY LABOUR DAY

𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧, 𝗞𝗙𝗪 𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛 €11.17 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘-𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗘

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, in partnership with KfW, has officially launched a Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Project valued at €11,169,976.32 (approximately K250 million), aimed at rehabilitating and upgrading critical infrastructure in seven districts of Southern Province.

The project, financed under the Capital Grant Scheme Phase III Programme, will be implemented in Choma, Gwembe, Kalomo, Mazabuka, Monze, Pemba, and Sinazongwe districts. It seeks to address infrastructure damage caused by climate change, particularly to road networks, drainage systems, and river crossings.

Project Scope by District:

Choma District: Construction of a 1.2-kilometre hospital road to bituminous standard, development of a stormwater drainage system, and construction of the Sinalungu River crossing with modern culverts.

Gwembe District: Upgrading of 47 kilometres of the D375-Hamatuba Road, installation of culverts, and grading of 9.2 kilometres of road sections.

Kalomo District: Upgrading of 5 kilometres of township roads, including Baila, Freedom/Independence, Boma, Kwame Nkrumah, Chikanta, Katapazi, Church, SWASCO, and Bwacha roads, with associated drainage systems.

Mazabuka District: Spot improvements of 4.5 kilometres of township gravel roads, construction of 6.1 kilometres of lined drains, and installation of drainage structures.

Monze District: Grading of 36 kilometres of the Siatontola Road, including drainage works.
Pemba District: Spot improvements and installation of drainage structures along the Chisekesi–Jembo and Muzoka–Jembo roads, each spanning 27 kilometres.

Sinazongwe District: Drainage infrastructure development and spot gravelling along 21 kilometres of the Maamba–Tekelo Road.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gift Sialubalo, MP, officially launched the project in Mazabuka. In remarks delivered on his behalf by Permanent Secretary (Administration), Dr. Gabriel Pollen, the Minister underscored the strategic importance of the project in enhancing climate resilience, safeguarding livelihoods, and ensuring reliable transport networks amid increasing climate-related challenges.

Hon. Sialubalo noted that the project is expected to contribute significantly to poverty reduction by improving access to markets for farmers and strengthening both rural and urban development.

“The interventions under this project are critical to fostering inclusive development and improving the quality of life for citizens across the seven districts,” he stated.

He further highlighted that the initiative aligns with the objectives of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), particularly in decentralising development and bringing essential services closer to communities.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the German Government for its continued support to Zambia’s development agenda, particularly in promoting economic diversification, reducing the cost of doing business, and enhancing service delivery.

He also urged contractors engaged on the project to adhere to high standards of workmanship, stressing that the Ministry will enforce strict quality control measures to ensure value for money.

Issued by:
Public Relations Unit
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗛𝗜𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗠𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗥, 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

Republican President, Hakainde Hichilema, has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to reforming the country’s property rates system, emphasizing the need for fairness, transparency, and sustainability in local revenue collection.

The President made these remarks during the 2026 National Symposium on Property Rates held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, where he was represented by Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Sylvia T. Masebo.
President Hichilema noted that property rates remain a matter of national importance as they directly impact citizens, investment decisions, and the cost of living.

He stressed that the system must be structured in a way that does not discourage property development or create perceptions of unfair benefit by local authorities.

“Property rates must be fair, reasonable, transparent, and clearly linked to the services provided by local authorities,” he said, adding that the Government remains committed to strengthening own source revenue, where property rates account for a significant share of council income.

The President further underscored the importance of sustainability, accountability, and long-term planning in the administration of property rates. He announced Government’s intention to review and amend the Rating Act No. 21 of 2018 to address existing gaps, improve property classifications, and enhance transparency in valuation systems.

To modernize the system, the President called on local authorities to adopt digital solutions, including online billing platforms, comprehensive property registers, and Geographic Information Systems, to improve efficiency and reduce revenue leakages.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Gift Sialubalo, highlighted that property rates are a key pillar of fiscal decentralization and critical to improving service delivery at the local level.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Institute of Valuation Surveyors President, Christopher Mulenga, called for urgent reforms to establish a sustainable and balanced property rates system that supports national development.

The symposium, held under the theme “Sustainable Property Rates in Zambia,” brought together policymakers, local authorities, property owners, and professionals to deliberate on improving the country’s property rating framework.

Jointly issued by:

Public Relations Units:

Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Development
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development

HAPPY KENNETH KAUNDA DAY

PRESS RELEASE
(For immediate release)
24th April, 2026

CHIEF BUNDABUNDA ELECTED NEW HOUSE OF CHIEFS CHAIRPERSON

THE 9th Session of the 6th House of Chiefs, officially opened yesterday at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, with Chief Bundabunda of the Soli people of Rufunsa District in Lusaka Province, elected new Chairperson of the House of Chiefs for the year, 2026.

His Royal Highness Chief Bundabunda will be deputised by His Royal Highness Chief Chibwika of the Lunda people of Mwinilunga District.

Chief Bundabunda succeeded His Royal Highness Chief Choongo of Monze District in Southern Province, whose One (1) year tenure of Office came to an end on Monday, 20th April, 2026.

In his farewell message, the outgoing Chairperson, Chief Choongo thanked all members of the House of Chiefs for the support given to him during his tenure.

Chief Choongo congratulated Chief Bundabunda on his advancement in leadership, and expressed confidence in his ability to effectively lead the House of Chiefs, as a custodian of culture, and traditions.

In his acceptance message, Chief Bundabunda pledged to ensure that the House of Chiefs continues to work in harmony, towards championing peace and unity in the Country.

The House of Chiefs is an important advisory body on traditional, customary and other matters referred to by the President of the Republic of Zambia.

During its Session, among the businesses to be conducted include; a Motion urging the Government to consider taking more measures to intervene in matters of child marriages.

Stakeholders, among them, the Anti-Corruption Commission, Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority, and the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disability, would engage the House on various issues of national development.

Issued by:

(Original copy signed)

The Public Relations Unit

MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT