A group of 25 former elected local authority leaders has filed a lawsuit against the Zambian Government, seeking more than K153 million in alleged unpaid salaries, allowances and benefits.
The case, filed in the Lusaka High Court by Duncan Kaonga and 24 other former mayors and council chairpersons, names the Attorney General as the respondent on behalf of the Government.
The plaintiffs argue that they were elected to serve five-year terms following the August 11, 2021, general elections under Article 154 of the Constitution but were not paid benefits they say had been approved by Government.
Among the benefits claimed are leave entitlements of 3.5 days per month, inclusion in the public service funeral scheme and the right to purchase official motor vehicles under the same terms offered to other public office holders.
The former civic leaders further contend that Government failed to implement salary and benefit adjustments contained in several Ministry of Local Government circulars issued between 2016 and 2021.
In their petition, the group is seeking K153,088,383.91 in salary arrears, comprising K70.6 million for the period between September 2021 and December 2023, and K82.4 million covering January 2024 to March 2026 for Town, Municipal and City Councils.
The matter is now before the High Court for determination.
