The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with Smart Zambia Institute, has rolled out electronic council services in local authorities as part of efforts to enhance efficiency, accountability and transparency in public service delivery.
Solwezi Municipal Council Finance Director Japhet Mutayachalo said the implementation of the e-council platform is aimed at modernising local government services by providing citizens and businesses with secure, transparent and easily accessible digital services.
Speaking in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services in Solwezi today, Mr Mutayachalo said Solwezi Municipal Council is among eight local authorities selected to pilot the electronic service delivery system.
He said all council services have since been uploaded onto the digital platform, enabling members of the public to access them online without physically visiting council offices.
Mr Mutayachalo noted that the initiative has helped take services closer to the people by reducing long queues and allowing residents to access services from the comfort of their homes.
He added that the local authority has put in place mechanisms to sensitise and orient residents on how to use the e-council platform.
Mr Mutayachalo further disclosed that since the official launch of the platform on July 1, the council has issued 30 business levy permits and collected more than K60,000 in property levy payments through the electronic system.
He said the platform is expected to significantly improve revenue collection by promoting transparency, accountability and operational efficiency.
He further revealed that the council has scheduled stakeholder engagement meetings to orient business owners on the new system, while additional sensitisation programmes will be conducted through local radio stations.
Mr Mutayachalo added that all market masters have been trained and are ready to assist traders and other business operators in accessing services through the e-council platform.
