Local authorities to be surveyed

The Ministry of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development is carrying out a baseline survey of the capacity levels of all local authorities in the country.

The survey results will provide a basis for future interventions in local authorities.

A team of local consultants has already been engaged for the exercise.

The initiative comes as local authorities are facing various problems in fulfilling their service delivery mandate that involves maintenance of roads, water, sewer and waste management systems among other key areas.

Minister Ignatius Chombo said local authorities should enhance service delivery as a matter of urgency.

"The ministry appreciates the veritable efforts that local authorities continue to make in terms of the service delivery mandate. Despite this effort, we expect councils to put specials emphasis on the areas of road maintenance, water and sewerage as a well as solid waste management," he said.

Chombo stressed the need for councils to take all necessary action to improve road accessibility to all areas particularly as the nation approaches a general election.

He said sporadic outbreaks of water-borne disease can be prevented if water and sanitation infrastructure is adequate and fully functional.