🇿🇲 BRIEFING | President Engages 1,832 Councillors in Rare National Gathering
President Hakainde Hichilema has convened an unprecedented meeting with councillors from across Zambia, bringing together 1,832 out of the country’s 1,858 elected local representatives in what officials describe as a landmark engagement on governance and development coordination.
The high turnout signals renewed focus on local authorities as frontline drivers of service delivery. Councillors play a critical role in implementing projects funded through the Constituency Development Fund, overseeing ward-level infrastructure, and acting as the closest link between citizens and central government.
The President emphasised alignment of local development priorities with national economic objectives, particularly in infrastructure delivery, social services, and accountability in public resource management.
The engagement comes at a politically significant moment, with decentralisation and grassroots development expected to feature prominently in the 2026 general election discourse.
The gathering was aimed at strengthening coordination, improving oversight, and ensuring that public funds translate into visible community impact across all provinces.
© The People’s Brief | Goran Handya
So what development are these Councilors going to bring to their wards in 2 months? Government dissolves on 13th May , 2026.
Just a waste of time.
If Hakainde was serious about incorporating Councilors in development issues, he should have started engaging them in 2021.
It’s too late, and a waste of money.
The government will be operating after the May 13, 2026. Are you lacking foresight? In fact, they are expected to begin planning immediately, and the agenda should encompass the entire year. Elections should not hinder councilors from performing their duties.Thats what normal countries do