Generate more revenue, councils urged

By SIMON MUNTEMBA
GOVERNMENT has challenged local authorities to be innovative in resource mobilisation to have many income sources as opposed to heavily relying on traditional revenue from the State.
Local Government Minister, Charles Banda, said the local authorities should appreciate the efforts from Government in the provision of finances to supplement locally generated funds.
The minister was speaking during the official opening of the 64rd Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) and the 17th General Assembly of Alliance of Mayors and Municipal in Lusaka yesterday.
“In this regard, local authorities are challenged to be innovative in resource mobilisation in order to have many income sources as opposed to heavily relying on traditional revenue from the government,” Dr Banda said.
The minister called upon the local authorities and all the stakeholders to exploit the enabling environment provided for them to be innovative.
He, however, said Government would continue to promote efforts aimed at strengthening the local authorities in the performance of their functions.
Meanwhile, LGAZ president Christopher Kang’ombe thanked Government for the continued and coherent support to the local authorities.
Mr Kangombe said: “We are aware of the tremendous effort Government is making in ensuring that full decentralisation through devolution is achieved.”