Lavushimanda local government leaders urged to exhibit integrity

Lavushimanda Town Council Secretary, Jonas Mwendakawa, has urged the newly elected Council Chairperson and Ward Councillors to uphold high levels of integrity when executing their duties. Speaking during the official swearing-in ceremony held at the Civic Center, Mr Mwendakawa…

Lavushimanda Town Council Secretary, Jonas Mwendakawa, has urged the newly elected Council Chairperson and Ward Councillors to uphold high levels of integrity when executing their duties.

Speaking during the official swearing-in ceremony held at the Civic Center, Mr Mwendakawa emphasised that Zambia’s national development agenda can only succeed if local authority structures effectively play their part.

He said local government leaders need to be transparent in the management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and other civic responsibilities.

Mr Mwendakawa further urged the leaders to fight corruption and avoid business as usual attitudes, stating that their five-year tenure should not be measured by how much they talked, but by the development outcomes they will deliver.

He said the civic leaders should be judged by the number of boreholes drilled, roads graded and empowerments awarded to the youths, women and persons with disabilities across Lavushimanda district.

“In this vein, you are the closest arm of government to the people. If councils work well, then the central government will be able to deliver on its promises,” he said.

He further encouraged the newly elected local government leaders to serve with humility, lead with courage and deliver with diligence.

Meanwhile, newly elected Lavushimanda Town Council Chairperson, Yvonne Chisanga, has pledged to discharge her duties fairly and inclusively, while working closely with all councillors.

Ms Chisanga said the development of the district cannot be done by one individual, but requires teamwork, consultation and the active participation of every elected representative and stakeholders.

“I pledge to work with all councillors fairly and inclusively,” she said.

She further emphasised the need for peace among local government leaders, noting that they may not always agree on every matter but their debates and decisions should be guided by the interests of the people they represent and the development needs of their communities.

Ms Chisanga said the election period may have brought about competition and different political views, but urged the newly elected leaders to put those differences aside and focus on development.

She noted that the time for elections has passed and the focus should now shift to unity, cooperation and delivering meaningful results to the people of Lavushimanda.

The ceremony was presided over by Resident Magistrate Andrew Kasongo, who administered the Oath of Office and Solemn Affirmation to the newly elected officials.