GOV’T REAFFIRMS WORKER WELFARE UNDER DECENTRALISATION

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Posted by admin on July 3, 2026 at 12:31 AM

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Government has pledged to continue strengthening the welfare of local authority workers as a critical pillar in the successful implementation of Zambia’s decentralisation agenda.

Speaking at the Zambia United Local Authorities and Allied Workers Union (ZULAAWU) 14th Quadrennial Conference, Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary Zechariah Luhanga said decentralisation can only succeed when local authorities are adequately empowered and workers driving service delivery are motivated, protected, and financially secure.

Held under the theme “Decentralisation for Sustainable Development: Empowering Local Authorities and Workers for a Prosperous Zambia”, the conference underscored Government’s determination to bring development closer to communities through strengthened local governance.

Mr. Luhanga highlighted that local authority employees are central to implementing national programmes, particularly the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has significantly expanded service delivery at the local level.

He reiterated Government’s resolve to improve conditions of service and ensure prompt payment of salaries, disclosing that 81 local authorities had recently received funding to clear arrears and meet salary differentials.

He further emphasized reforms to enhance financial sustainability, including digitalisation of revenue collection, and stressed the importance of social security in guaranteeing workers a secure future after retirement.

“A pension system that delivers benefits gives employees confidence that their years of service will be recognised and rewarded, allowing retirees to meet essential needs such as food, healthcare, housing and education support for their dependants,” Mr. Luhanga said.

Following the enactment of the Local Authorities Superannuation Act No. 74 of 2026, alongside the National Pension Scheme Act and Public Service Pension Fund reforms, more than 35,000 local authority employees will benefit from enhanced retirement packages under the Local Authority Superannuation Fund (LASF).

Members will receive 40 percent lump sum and 60 percent annuity benefits, ensuring sustainable income throughout retirement.

Other speakers included Luxon Kazabu, Chairperson of the Local Government Service Commission, who praised the increase of the CDF from K1.6 million in 2021 to K40 million in 2026, describing it as transformative for communities.

Mpataji Namumba, Executive Director of the Local Government Association of Zambia, who urged councils to embrace innovation and inclusiveness in service delivery.

Misheck Nyambose, immediate past ZULAAWU president, who discouraged union fragmentation and emphasized social dialogue.

Blake Mulala, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions president, who commended Government for restoring freedom of association and strengthening collective bargaining.