Lusaka, Zambia – President Hakainde Hichilema has announced the appointment of Hon. Gift Sialubalo MP as Zambia’s new Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, a role tasked with bridging central governance and grassroots development. The appointment comes at a critical juncture as the Ministry seeks to revitalise service delivery, particularly through the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF), while addressing pressing challenges such as waste management, sanitation, and public accountability.
President Hichilema underscored the urgency of prioritising sustainable solutions to long-standing issues, including unreliable garbage collection systems and outdated sewer infrastructure, which have plagued urban and rural communities alike. “Clean public spaces and transparent governance are not negotiable—they are foundational to progress,” the President stated. “Hon. Sialubalo’s leadership will ensure that every Zambian sees measurable improvements in their daily lives.”
The revamped CDF, a cornerstone of the Ministry’s strategy, aims to empower local constituencies by directly addressing unemployment, infrastructure gaps, and community-driven projects. With over 60% of urban Zambians lacking consistent waste disposal services, the sanitation crisis remains a top priority. The Ministry is expected to collaborate closely with Local Authorities to implement modern waste management systems and upgrade public health infrastructure, ensuring cleaner, safer environments nationwide.
Transparency and accountability are central to rebuilding public trust. President Hichilema emphasised the need for rigorous oversight in CDF allocations to curb mismanagement and ensure funds reach grassroots initiatives. “When communities trust their leaders, development accelerates,” he added. Citizens are encouraged to actively engage with local leaders, sharing their priorities through platforms like social media, where hashtags such as #CleanZambia and #CDFRevolution are gaining traction.
To amplify reach and foster dialogue, the government plans to leverage social media trends, including interactive polls on urgent community needs—such as sanitation, jobs, or infrastructure—and partnerships with civic influencers. A 30-second video clip of President Hichilema’s announcement, highlighting his call for “clean streets and accountable leadership,” will be shared widely to drive engagement during peak online hours.
As Hon. Sialubalo steps into his role, Zambians are urged to participate in shaping the Ministry’s agenda. “The success of this Ministry depends on the voices of its people,” the President remarked. “Tag your local leaders, share your ideas, and hold us accountable.”
The appointment signals a renewed focus on equitable development, with the nation watching closely for tangible outcomes in the first 100 days. For real-time updates, citizens are encouraged to follow #ZambiaDevelopment across social platforms.
