CORRUPTION in councils is a concerning issue. It undermines good governance, hampers development, and erodes public trust in the government.
Local authorities have not only been entangled in corruption but have for a long time been among the most inefficient organs of government.
Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gary Nkombo says the Government is concerned that some councils in the country have continued to be corrupt and inefficient in the delivery of services.
This sentiment comes at a time when the councils are now superintending over huge amounts of public resources following the increase in allocation for Constituency Development Funds (CDF).
Mr Nkombo said it was the Government’s desire to see local authorities utilise their resources prudently and refrain from any acts of corruption.
He made the remarks yesterday when he commissioned an assortment of earth moving equipment procured using the 2022 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) worth US$1 million by the Mufulira Municipal Council.
While corruption and inefficiency has characterized councils over the years, it is important to point out that there are critical aspects that need to be dealt with in order to improve operations in all councils across the country.
Firstly, implementing and enforcing comprehensive anti-corruption laws specifically targeting local government officials, would be the best place to start.
This includes ensuring transparency, accountability, and appropriate penalties for corrupt practices.
Increased scrutiny and monitoring mechanisms within local government councils can also be achieved through independent auditing bodies, citizen participation, and regular reporting of council activities and financial transactions.
Citizen participation especially, will ensure that councils and their officials are not spending resources on unnecessary activities to the detriment of communities they are supposed to be serving.
Further, establishing mechanisms to protect and encourage individuals who report corruption within local government councils will enhance the corruption fight through effective whistleblower protection laws which will empower citizens and deter corrupt practices.
Ultimately, corruption is perpetuated in councils by a lack of capacity among the human resource.
Therefore, developing training programmes to enhance the capacity of council staff on ethical behavior, accountability, and proper governance practices may be the beginning of the end for corruption.
Addressing corruption requires a collective effort from multiple stakeholders, including the government, civil society, media, and citizens.
By implementing robust anti-corruption measures and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability, progress can be made in reducing corruption in councils in Zambia.
For now, Councils and council officer should heed Mr Nkombo’s call for prudent utilization of CDF in order to respond to the various needs of communities