Minister of Local Government Unveils Ambitious Plan for Chieftaincy Acts Review
In a press conference held on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina, revealed his ministry’s comprehensive efforts to revise the Chieftaincy Acts of 2004, with the aim of enhancing administrative efficiency and fostering closer collaboration among provincial ministries.
Lamina emphasized the significance of the Decentralization Act of 2004, highlighting the government’s dedication to engaging all branches of governance. He stressed that this legislation allows Parliamentary and Local Councilors to function autonomously when implementing local projects after receiving allocated funding, free from undue political influence at the local level.
Despite these achievements, the minister acknowledged the critical need to address the relative neglect of the Chieftaincy within the decentralization framework. Consequently, he announced plans to introduce an updated Decentralization Act in 2023, granting his ministry greater authority to review and adapt the Chieftaincy Act.
The Director of the Decentralization Secretariat, Alex Bhonapha Esq., provided further insights into the ministry’s focus on devolution. Bhonapha explained that devolution consists of four key components:
- Empowering Local Councils with enhanced functions and responsibilities, benefiting approximately 54 Councilors.
- Implementing a more effective distribution of financial resources to support capacity building and daily activities at the local level.
- Delegating sector heads to lead activities in their respective localities, ensuring efficient operations and identifying essential work.
- Vigilant asset monitoring of these councils to guarantee accountability.
Bhonapha concluded by highlighting the Secretariat’s commitment to overseeing projects like the “Feed Salone Project,” ensuring the appropriate use of assets and rigorous accountability in government flagship initiatives.
