City Council
| Jurisdiction | Urban areas in Zambia |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Varies by city (e.g., Lusaka City Council Headquarters) |
| Agency executives | <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"></templatestyles>
|
| Parent agency | Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development |
City Councils in are local government authorities responsible for the governance and administration of urban areas designated as cities. These councils operate under the legal framework provided by the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019 and related statutes.
Overview
City Councils manage public services and development programs within their jurisdictions. They serve as representative democratic bodies with elected councillors tasked with making policy decisions for the local community. The administrative functions are carried out by appointed officials led by the Town Clerk or Council Secretary.
Functions
City Councils perform a wide range of functions, including but not limited to:
- Maintenance of law and order and security administration
- Provision and maintenance of public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, street lighting, and drainage systems
- Environmental health services, including waste management and sanitation
- Control and licensing of businesses, markets, and trading activities
- Management of land use, town planning, and building regulations
- Registration of births, deaths, and marriages within the city boundaries
- Provision and upkeep of public amenities like parks, recreational facilities, and cemeteries
- Establishment and management of healthcare facilities such as clinics and health centers
- Promotion of community participation and development initiatives
Governance Structure
The council is headed politically by a Mayor or Council Chairperson who presides over council meetings and represents the council in official capacities. The administrative functions are managed by the Town Clerk or Council Secretary, who oversees day-to-day operations and the implementation of council decisions. Councillors serve on various committees that focus on specific sectors such as markets, finance, and planning.
Legal Framework
City Councils derive their mandates primarily from the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019. This Act outlines more than 60 functions of local authorities and is supplemented by government circulars and regulations. City Councils operate within the constitutional provisions for local governance and under the oversight of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
