The Government has officially handed over Chirundu Town Council’s modern Civic Centre and a double-storey office block, marking one of the district’s most significant infrastructure milestones in more than a decade.
The Civic Centre whose construction began in 2012 under the Ministry of Infrastructure but stalled for years was finally completed after the Council committed more than K1.2 million of its locally generated revenue for the completion of the structure.
In addition, the new double-storey office block, constructed at over K2 million, has been unveiled as another major achievement driven solely by local resources.
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Gift Sialubalo said the investment demonstrates Government’s commitment to strengthening local authorities and improving service delivery infrastructure across the country.
The Minister emphasised that modern facilities such as Chirundu’s Civic Centre are critical to enhancing administrative efficiency and uplifting community confidence in public institutions.
Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) Vice Chairperson Brian Ndumba added that the new infrastructure will not only elevate the profile of Chirundu District but also provide a more professional and motivating environment for council employees.
Mr Ndumba noted that improved working spaces directly contribute to better staff performance and public service outcomes.
Meanwhile, Southern Province PLGO Mainza Sikaale said the handover aligns with Government’s broader decentralisation agenda, which focuses on empowering councils to manage their own development effectively.
Mr Sikaale highlighted that Chirundu’s bold decision to use its own revenue to complete long-stalled projects sets a strong example for other local authorities.
Following this, Chirundu Town Council Chairperson Nevers Muchindu said the completion of both structures signifies a turning point for the district, showing that local initiative can successfully complement national development efforts. Mr Muchindu emphasised that the new offices will enhance coordination, transparency, and accessible service delivery for all residents.
Adding to this, the District Commissioner Patrick Kasambila noted that the infrastructure demonstrates Chirundu’s readiness for faster growth and improved governance. He reaffirmed Government’s support to councils that take proactive steps in improving administrative capacity and creating an environment conducive to effective public service.
The Council also announced that by vacating its former housing units, it will now rent them out to increase revenue and channel resources into critical services such as waste management, drainage maintenance, and other community needs. Leaders said this move strengthens financial sustainability and supports long-term service delivery goals.
Delivering welcome remarks, Chirundu West Ward Councillor Lucky Hakooma commended residents and stakeholders for their unwavering support and urged them to safeguard the new infrastructure with pride.
