Lusaka, Zambia info@mlgrd.gov.zm Contact the Ministry MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
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MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT · REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
◆ LOCAL GOVERNANCE
◆ RURAL DEVELOPMENT
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Find answers to common questions about the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, its programmes, services and key initiatives.

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About the Ministry

General information about the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, its mandate, vision, mission and functions.

MLGRD stands for the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. It is a Government ministry responsible for matters within its assigned local government and rural development portfolio.

For the Ministry's official mandate and current portfolio functions, please consult the official MLGRD website.

The Ministry provides Government leadership and coordination in the areas assigned to its local government and rural development portfolio.

Refer to the Ministry's official publications for the complete description of its mandate, departments and statutory responsibilities.

The Ministry's approved vision statement should be reproduced here exactly as published in the current official ministerial strategic documents.

The Ministry's approved mission statement should be reproduced here exactly as published in the current official ministerial strategic documents.

The Ministry's approved core values should be listed here using the wording in its current official strategic documents.

The official list of statutory bodies and institutions falling under the Ministry's portfolio should be inserted here in accordance with the current Government institutional structure.

The Ministry's portfolio functions cover the responsibilities formally assigned to it by Government. The complete approved list should be taken from the current ministerial portfolio document.

The current number of departments and units should be confirmed against the Ministry's approved organisational structure before publication.

The approved list of departments and units should be inserted here using the Ministry's current organisational structure.

Visit the Ministry website for published institutional information.

Urban and regional planning concerns the coordinated planning and management of land use and spatial development in urban and regional areas.

For applicable procedures and requirements, consult the relevant planning authority and current official planning guidance.

Contact the relevant local authority for information about its planning services, application procedures and applicable requirements.

You can use the Ministry's Local Authorities directory to find local authority websites.

An Integrated Development Plan is a coordinated planning instrument used to guide development priorities and planning within the relevant planning area.

Consult the responsible planning authority for the applicable IDP documents, status and implementation arrangements.

Contact the relevant local authority to enquire about its Integrated Development Plan, public consultation arrangements and available planning documents.

A Geographical Information System (GIS) is a system used to collect, manage, analyse and present information linked to geographic locations.

Contact the relevant local authority or responsible Government office to establish whether the requested spatial information is available and what access procedures apply.

The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) supports development initiatives in constituencies in accordance with the applicable laws, guidelines and Government procedures.

For current requirements and guidance, consult the relevant local authority and the Ministry's official CDF publications.

Contact the relevant local authority for current application procedures, eligibility requirements, deadlines and supporting documents.

You may also consult the Ministry's official website for published CDF guidelines and related resources.

Use the Ministry's Local Authorities directory to locate the website of the relevant council.

Open the Local Authorities directory →

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Ministry of Local Government  and Rural Developemnt 

The Ministry is responsible for Portfolio functions according to the Government Gazette Notice No. 1123 of 2021:

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) is charged with the responsibility of promoting a decentralised and good local governance system, facilitating delivery of quality municipal services in order to contribute to sustainable socio-economic development. The Ministry oversees the implementation of delegated functions and responsibilities by the local authorities.

 

A SMART and value- centered Ministry of Local Government

Facilitate a decentralised local governance system for quality municipal service delivery

 
  1. Professionalism – We exhibit competence, commitment, good judgements, conduct and behavior in promoting a positive image in the execution of our duties
  2. Accountability -We take responsibility for all our actions in the course of our duty.
  3. Teamwork cooperate with others and work to the best of our abilities in the execution of our duties.
  4. Commitment- We carry our duties in a dedicated, efficient and effective manner.
  5. Client-focused- We put our customers/clients first in whatsoever we do.
  6. Integrity- We conduct ourselves in a manner that is beyond reproach by being honest, trustworthy, ethical and respectful in all our actions.
  7. Patriotism put the country above our personal interests in the execution of our duties.
  8. Transparency- We conduct our business and deliver our services in an open and professional manner.
  9. Innovation- We are creative and embrace new ideas and techniques in the delivery of our services.
  • Chalimbana Local Government Training Institute (LGTI);
  • Film Censorship Board;
  • Gwembe District Special Fund (Dissolution);
  • Local Authorities Superannuation Fund Control Board; and,
  • National Fire Services Training School.
  • Amusement and Play parks
  • Business Hours;
  • Cemeteries and Burial Sites
  • Council Nurseries
  • Crematoria
  • Feeder/Townships Roads;
  • Film Censorship;
  • Fire Services;
  • Levies;
  • Liquor Licensing;
  • Local Authorities Training;
  • Local Government Policy;
  • Markets and Bus Stations;
  • Plant Nurseries
  • Rates;
  • Registration of Marriages
  • Street Lighting
  • Theatres and Cinemas Policy, and;
  • Urban and Regional Planning.

Eleven (11)

  1. Local Government Administration-LGA
  2. Planning and Information -PID
  3. House of Chief and Chiefs Affairs-HOC
  4. Rural Development- RD
  5. Physical Planning -PP
  6. Human Resources and Administration-HRA 
  7. Finance -FD
  8. Information Communication and Technology -ICT
  9. Chalimbana Training Local Government Training -CLGTI
  10. Internal Audit 
  11. Procurement and Supplies Unit -PSU
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  • It is the art and science that ensures land is appropriately designated for different uses through zoning in order to ensure a more efficient and sustainable use of the physical space, for instance, factories are placed in industrial areas away from residential zones.
  • The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development is responsible of spatial planning through the Urban and Regional Planning Act No.3 of 2015. The Department of Physical Planning and the Planning authorities are responsible for the day to day implementation of the Act.
  • Planning permission is the approval given to an applicant authorizing them to carryout development that includes change of land use, subdividing of land and/or construction of infrastructure such as houses.

Planning permission is the approval given to an applicant authorizing them to carryout development that includes change of land use, subdividing of land and/or construction of infrastructure such as houses

  • Provide Ownership Evidence: Ensure you have land ownership evidence
  • Obtain Forms: Get application forms from the Council Municipal or provincial planning office.
  • Submit Applications: Complete the forms and submit them with the required plans to the appropriate planning authority.
  • An enforcement notice is a legal document issued by a planning authority when there has been a breach of planning law. This typically occurs when development or land use has taken place without the necessary planning permission or when the terms and conditions of granted planning permission have not been adhered to.

The notice is issued when a development has been carried out without the required planning permission, or when conditions attached to a planning permission have not been followed.

  • The enforcement notice will clearly state what the breach is, including specifics about the unauthorized development or use of land.
  • The main purpose of issuing an enforcement notice is to ensure that development takes place in a controlled and lawful manner, in accordance with planning laws and policies. It helps maintain orderly development, protect the environment, and ensure that planning regulations are enforced fairly and consistently.
  • A planning inspector is a suitable qualified and experienced person appointed by the local planning authority to conduct routine inspection of infrastructure development. They ensure that developments taking place are in conformity with the approved development plans.
  • A planning Appeals Tribunal is a statutory body appointed by the minister to adjudicate planning disputes and appeals from the decisions made by planning authorities in the province.
  • The Provincial Planning Tribunal is primarily responsible for making decisions on land use and development applications within a province. These may include decisions on zoning changes, land subdivisions, or other development approvals.
  • The planning appeals tribunal shall have jurisdiction over the province for which it is established
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IDP stands for Intergrated Development Plan

  • It is an overall framework for development within a district that guides and informs planning, budgeting, and management decision-making by all levels of government and by all sectors within the district

Section 19(3) and Section 19 (5)

The primary objectives of IDPS in Zambia include:

  • Coordinating development efforts: Ensuring that various sectors and stakeholders work together towards common development goals.
  • Promoting sustainable development: Balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social equity.
  • Improving service delivery: Enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public services through better planning and resource allocation.
  • Facilitating community participation: Engaging local communities in the planning process to ensure that development meets their needs.
  • Guiding land use decisions: It helps determine the best use of land for residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational purposes, ensuring that urban growth is managed effectively.
  • Planning infrastructure development: helps ensure that infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and sanitation systems are planned and developed in a way that supports sustainable urban growth.
  • Addressing urban challenges: IDPs provides a framework for addressing challenges such as informal settlements, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation in urban areas
  • Ensuring balanced development: By coordinating efforts across sectors and regions, IDPs helps prevent overdevelopment in some areas and underdevelopment in others.
  • Promoting environmental sustainability: IDPs integrates environmental considerations into all aspects of planning, helping to protect natural resources and reduce the impact of development on the environment.
  • Enhancing resilience: Through careful planning, IDPS helps communities become more resilient to economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
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  • A computer-based application used to store capture and manipulate geographically referenced data.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in physical planning refer to the use of spatial data and analysis tools to assist in the development and management of land, infrastructure, and the environment. GIS helps planners visualize and analyze geographical data to make informed decisions about land use, zoning, transportation, utilities, and environmental protection.
  1. Local Government Administration-LGA
  2. Planning and Information -PID
  3. House of Chief and Chiefs Affairs-HOC
  4. Rural Development- RD
  5. Physical Planning -PP
  6. Human Resources and Administration-HRA 
  7. Finance -FD
  8. Information Communication and Technology -ICT
  9. Chalimbana Training Local Government Training -CLGTI
  10. Internal Audit 
  11. Procurement and Supplies Unit -PSU

GIS supports physical planning by providing tools to:

  • Analyze spatial relationships and patterns in land use.
  • Assess the suitability of land for various types of development.
  • Model potential impacts of development on the environment.
  • Plan infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and sewage systems.

Facilitate public participation through visualizations and interactive maps.

 

GIS uses various types of data, including:

  • Spatial data: Coordinates, maps, satellite imagery, and aerial photos.
  • Attribute data: Information about the characteristics of spatial features (e.g., land use type, population density).
  • Environmental data: Soil types, water bodies, vegetation, and climate conditions.
  • Infrastructure data: Roads, utilities, public facilities, and transportation networks.
  • Improved decision-making: By visualizing and analyzing spatial data, planners can make more informed decisions about land use and infrastructure development.
  • Enhanced efficiency: GIS streamlines data management, reducing the time needed for analysis and planning.
  • Better resource management: GIS helps in optimizing the use of land, natural resources, and infrastructure.
  • Increased public engagement: Interactive maps and visualizations make it easier for the public to understand and participate in planning processes.
  • GIS can be used to model and predict future land use scenarios by incorporating various data layers, such as population growth, economic trends, environmental constraints, and infrastructure development plans. These models can help planners anticipate the impact of different planning decisions and select the most sustainable and efficient options.

 GIS contributes to environmental sustainability by:

  • Identifying environmentally sensitive areas that need protection.
  • Assessing the potential environmental impacts of development projects.
  • Supporting the planning of green spaces and conservation areas.
  • Facilitating the integration of environmental considerations into land use planning.
  • Data quality and availability: Reliable and up-to-date spatial data may not always be available.
  • Technical expertise: Effective use of GIS requires specialized skills and knowledge.
  • Cost: GIS software and data acquisition can be expensive.

Integration with other systems: Ensuring that GIS integrates

  • Urban land use planning: Mapping and analyzing current land use patterns to guide future development.
  • Infrastructure planning: Designing road networks, utility systems, and public facilities based on spatial data.
  • Environmental impact assessment: Evaluating the potential effects of proposed developments on the natural environment.
  • Disaster management: Using GIS to plan for and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes.
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Constituency  Development Fund

156

Hundred and Sixteen Local Authorities (116)

  • BURSARIES
    Secondary School Bursary
    Skill Development Bursary
  • EMPOWERMENT
    Women,Youth, and Community Empowerment grants
    Women, Youth, and Community Empowerment grants
  • COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development

The Ministry is responsible for  Portfolio functions according to the Government Gazette Notice No. 1123 of 2021:

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) is charged with the responsibility of promoting a decentralised and good local governance system, facilitating delivery of quality municipal services in order to contribute to sustainable socio-economic development. The Ministry oversees the implementation of delegated functions and responsibilities by the local authorities.

 

A SMART and value- centered Ministry of Local Government

Facilitate a decentralised local governance system for quality municipal service delivery

  1. Professionalism – We exhibit competence, commitment, good judgements, conduct and behavior in promoting a positive image in the execution of our duties
  2. Accountability -We take responsibility for all our actions in the course of our duty.
  3. Teamwork cooperate with others and work to the best of our abilities in the execution of our duties.
  4. Commitment- We carry our duties in a dedicated, efficient and effective manner.
  5. Client-focused- We put our customers/clients first in whatsoever we do.
  6. Integrity- We conduct ourselves in a manner that is beyond reproach by being honest, trustworthy, ethical and respectful in all our actions.
  7. Patriotism put the country above our personal interests in the execution of our duties.
  8. Transparency- We conduct our business and deliver our services in an open and professional manner.
  9. Innovation- We are creative and embrace new ideas and techniques in the delivery of our services.
  • Chalimbana Local Government Training Institute (LGTI);
  • Film Censorship Board;
  • Gwembe District Special Fund (Dissolution);
  • Local Authorities Superannuation Fund Control Board; and,
  • National Fire Services Training School.
  • Amusement and Play parks
  • Business Hours;
  • Cemeteries and Burial Sites
  • Council Nurseries
  • Crematoria
  • Feeder/Townships Roads;
  • Film Censorship;
  • Fire Services;
  • Levies;
  • Liquor Licensing;
  • Local Authorities Training;
  • Local Government Policy;
  • Markets and Bus Stations;
  • Plant Nurseries
  • Rates;
  • Registration of Marriages
  • Street Lighting
  • Theatres and Cinemas Policy, and;
  • Urban and Regional Planning.

Constituency  Development Fund

156

Hundred and Sixteen Local Authorities (116)

  • BURSARIES
    Secondary School Bursary
    Skill Development Bursary
  • EMPOWERMENT
    Women,Youth, and Community Empowerment grants
    Women, Youth, and Community Empowerment grants
  • COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development

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