Provincial Local Government Officer Mr. Sikaale Mainza Engages Kazungula Town Council on Deepening Decentralisation
3rd August 2025
In a spirited and solution-oriented engagement, the Provincial Local Government Officer (PLGO) for Southern Province, Mr. Sikaale Mainza, held a high-level meeting with Kazungula Town Council management and the Council Chairperson Ms. Mbozi Tatila to reinforce the role of decentralisation and devolution in strengthening service delivery. The meeting took place in the Council Chamber and centered on enhancing coordination between devolved government departments and the local authority, while also reviewing progress on key development projects.
Mr. Mainza, who is in Kazungula District for the next couple of days to conduct project site visits, expressed firm commitment to promoting decentralised governance in line with national policy. He reminded officers that the Decentralised State of Governance is enshrined in the supreme law of the nation, and that devolved functions must consistently report to the council, as the principal body of local authority.
“It is a government policy that all officers under government must report to the Principal Officer. Devolution must be taken with the seriousness it deserves,” Mr. Mainza emphasized.
He urged all departments and officers in the district to adopt a collaborative mindset and ensure that strong communication channels exist between the PLGO’s office, the local authority, and other sector departments, to avoid fragmented service delivery and duplication of effort.
On her part, Council Chairperson Ms. Mbozi Tatila appreciated the Provincial Office’s consistent engagement with districts, noting that it helps to foster development, bridge service delivery gaps, and promote a culture of accountability.
“We appreciate the rare engagement with the province in fostering development, filling gaps and improving service delivery. We are encouraged to see devolved departments embracing devolution,” Ms. Tatila remarked.
During the meeting, an update was given on various ongoing and completed projects in the district.
Mr. Mainza said there must be keen interest in keeping each other informed as he called for regular updates and mutual accountability among stakeholders.
Mr. Mainza’s visit is expected to include on-the-ground assessments of infrastructure projects such as township roads, market shelters, classroom blocks and health facilities among other projects, along with interactions with community leaders and residents.
As Kazungula Town Council continues to navigate the complexities of local governance and decentralised service delivery, this visit by the Provincial Office represents not only oversight but a renewal of commitment toward a responsive, community-driven local governance system.