Intergrated Development Plans for Muchinga Province Launched

Local Government and Rural Development Minister Garry Nkombo (second from left) displays a copy of the Intergrated Development Plan in Lusaka recently.

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development recently launched Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) for the 8 districts in Muchinga Province. 

IDPs are ten-year plans aimed at guiding development and decision making in the district so as to improve the quality of life for all residents. 

The comprehensive plans are formulated in line with the Urban and Regional Planning Act No. 3 of 2015; the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019; and the National Planning and Budgeting Act No. 1 of 2020 of the Laws of Zambia.

Speaking during the launch of the IDPs at Chinsali Civic Centre, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honourable Gary Nkombo stated that preparation and implementation of IDPs is critical in the prudent management of public and donor resources in the districts. 

The Minister stressed the need to align Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects with the IDPs so as to ensure that priority issues are addressed. 

"Key problems in the district will be prioritised in line with the IDPs which were developed through a wide consultative process," he stated. 

And Chinsali Mayor, Lucy Mukuka thanked the USAID Local Impact Governance Project for its continued support in strengthening the local governance system and making it more responsive to citizen needs.

"USAID Local Impact Governance Project has played a very cardinal role in further increasing citizen participation in developmental programmes," she added.

During the event, the first-ever citizen version of the IDPs was also launched to enhance public understanding of the IDPs and stakeholder participation.

Present during the launch were Muchinga based District Commissioners, Council Chairpersons, Council Secretaries, Heads of Government Departments, Ward Councillors and Ward Development Committees among others.