. Chishimba

By JAMES KUNDA –
GOVERNMENT has assured civil service employees that there will be no job losses during the implementation of the decentralisation process which came into effect on January 1, this year.
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Peter Kasanda said caution would be exercised in implementing the decentralisation reforms which entailed a transfer of staff from the Central Government to the councils.
Mr Kasanda was speaking at the new Government Complex in Lusaka yesterday where he officially closed a two-day orientation workshop for trade unions on decentralisation.
“Decentralisation reforms have come with challenges such as change in management at all levels and the massive transfer of staff from Central Government to councils.
“I wish to assure you that the decentralisation reforms are being implemented while exercising maximum caution so as to avoid any job losses in whatever form, and ensure continued service provision to the people,” he said.
Mr Kasanda said all systems were in place to facilitate and finalise the devolution process.
He said what was currently being awaited was the transfer of human and financial resources and assets to the respective councils.
He urged trade unions to sensitise their members on the decentralisation reforms.
“I urge you all to support the Government in the implementation of these important reforms whose major aim is to improve service delivery, promote tenets of good governance and give authority to the people to determine their destiny,” he said.
At the same occasion, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions president Nkole Chishimba, in a vote of thanks, called for continued dialogue between the Government and stakeholders on the decentralisation policy.