PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
To enhance transparency and accountability in local governance, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, in partnership with the USAID Local Impact Governance Project and the Zambia Devolution Support Program, has launched a five-day training program for council staff in Chongwe.
The initiative focuses on equipping participants with the skills to effectively manage content on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) dashboard and website.
The training has brought together total of 34 Local Authorities from the Eastern and Central Provinces to enhance the technical abilities in content management, data visualization, and system optimization. This initiative aims to improve the accessibility and usability of digital platforms associated with the CDF, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in decision-making and service delivery.
Speaking at the official opening of the training, Mrs. Judith Beene, Director of ICT at the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, emphasized the critical role of digital platforms in fostering transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in public resource management.
“The CDF dashboard is a critical tool for ensuring accuracy in key data, which directly impacts decision-making and accountability. Similarly, a website is not just a communication tool but also a gateway for promoting transparency and providing services online,” said Mrs. Beene. Adding to this, Mr. Ackson Habanji, Director of Local Government Administration, acknowledged the pivotal role of the USAID Local Impact Governance Project in supporting the government’s efforts to enhance local governance.
“This training is a vital step in empowering council staff with the technical knowledge to effectively manage the CDF dashboard and website. These platforms are essential for fostering transparency, enhancing public trust, and ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently to meet community needs,” and Local Authorities are expected to be updating these platforms said Mrs. Beene. The training aligns with the government’s commitment to improving local governance by leveraging technology to ensure that information about CDF allocations and projects is readily available to stakeholders. It also highlights the collaborative efforts of the USAID Local Impact Governance Project and the Zambia Devolution Support Program in strengthening governance structures at the local level.
The USAID Local Impact Governance Project supports efforts to strengthen governance, decentralization, and service delivery to promote sustainable development in Zambia. About the Zambia Devolution Support Program which focuses on building local governance capacities, fostering citizen participation, and enhancing transparency in decision-making processes.
Jointly issued by:
Public Relations officers
From Eastern province.
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development-Zambia #usaidlocalimpactgovernanceproject