Over 200 local authority officers have completed their training in Environmental and Social Risk Management, in a bid to strengthen inclusion of environmental and social matters in national development.
The joint training programme was executed under The Zambia Devolution Support Programme, through Chalimbana Local Government Training Institute and National Institute of Public Administration, with support from implementing partners.
Speaking during the closing ceremony at Chalimbana Local Government Training Institute in Chongwe yesterday, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Administration, Gabriel Pollen, said the training will also promote effective stakeholder engagement.
“As a ministry, we expect that environmental and social matters will not be left out as developed projects are undertaken in local authorities,” said Dr Pollen.
The media reports that Dr Pollen said he is expecting that local authorities will put in place a grievance redress mechanism that is fully functional.
National Institute of Public Administration Executive Director, Jacob Malungo, who was represented by his Deputy, Elliot Mumba, added that the training will promote expenditure that builds communities.
Prof Malungo added that his institution and its partners remain committed to ensuring that the programme continues to have an impact beyond the classroom.
And, Chalimbana Local Government Training Institute Principal, James Paipe, added that such training must be given to all local authority stakeholders in order to improve service delivery in the local authorities.
Chembe Town Council Acting Chief Planner, Nancy Chileshe, who was among the trainees, called for increased funding in order to promote efficiency.
ZANIS/ENDS/RC/EC………DRY
