2 differ over Local Government Service Commission

By ALEX NJOVU

 
TWO local government organisations have differed over Government’s directive to suspend staff recruitments in councils until a staff commission is established.

The Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) and the Zambia United Local Authorities Workers Union (ZULAWU) on Wednesday differed over staff recruitments in councils and the establishment of a Local Government Service Commission.
While the LGAZ has urged government to rescind its decision to suspend the recruitment of staff in councils until the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) completes deliberations on the recommendation, ZULAWU has welcomed the suspension.
LGAZ president, Charles Mumena, said this in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr Mumena said staff appointments in councils were a matter for discussion by the NCC because they were part of the recommendations in the draft Constitution.
“In this regard, it is our considered view that the instruction is prejudicial to the deliberations of the NCC as this portrays government’s position on the matter,” he said.
Mr Mumena said it was necessary for the NCC to deal with the matter objectively without being influenced in any way.
“Let it be appreciated, however, that downward accountability of the local authorities’ officials is an essential ingredient of local democracy and good governance,” he said.
Government has suspended the recruitment of staff in all councils in the country.
This is according to a circular issued by Ministry of Local Government and Housing permanent secretary, Joe Ngo, which is addressed to all council secretaries and town clerks.
The directive follows the re-introduction of the Local Government Service Commission, which will be responsible for staff recruitment in councils.
But ZULAWU president Gladson Chunga said the decision was long overdue and that it would go a long way in enhancing development in councils.
Mr Chunga said in an interview in Ndola yesterday that it was important for a commission to be established so that it could be responsible for staff recruitment in councils.
He hoped that government would move quickly to introduce the commission so that it could start its operations.
“We welcome the re-introduction of the Local Government Service Commission that will be responsible for recruitment of staff in all councils in the country,” Mr Chunga said.
He called on local authorities countrywide to support the Local Government Service Commission once established.