The District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC) today held a crucial meeting at the Council Chamber of the Lusangazi Town Council, bringing together stakeholders from government departments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and community representatives.
The meeting was officially opened by District Commissioner, Margret Chisomo Zulu Banda, who welcomed participants and encouraged active engagement. She emphasized the importance of inclusive participation in shaping the district’s development agenda.
In her remarks, the District Commissioner highlighted the significance of the National Development Plan as a guiding framework for implementing development programmes at district level. She expressed satisfaction with the diverse representation at the meeting, noting that collaboration among stakeholders is key to achieving sustainable development.
The Town Planner, Moses Mwale, presented on the need to review the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), especially considering that Lusangazi is now an independent district, having previously shared a plan with Petauke. The IDP was described as a critical tool that addresses both national and local development priorities through a coordinated and integrated approach. Its primary goal is to develop a climate-smart district that responds effectively to the social and economic needs of the people.
Key opportunities identified in the district include strong support from traditional leaders, availability of unskilled labour, and access to natural resources such as crushed stones, which can be utilized to improve infrastructure, particularly the road network. It was reported that approximately 600 kilometers of roads have been worked on.
However, several challenges were highlighted, including limited financial resources, inadequate water supply, lack of dams, insufficient health facilities, shortage of skills training centres, inadequate security services, and understaffing in key sectors such as agriculture and forestry. High levels of deforestation were also noted as a concern.
Participants were informed that simplified versions of the IDP, known as the “Citizens Version,” have been developed to enhance understanding and accessibility among local communities.
The meeting also provided key statistics about Lusangazi District, including a population of 110,477 as of 2022, one constituency, and eleven wards. Various investment opportunities were identified in sectors such as education, mining, and forestry.
Sector-specific priorities discussed included improving road infrastructure, increasing access to electricity, expanding health facilities, and addressing challenges in the education sector such as long distances to schools and low school attendance. In agriculture, there is a need for dam construction, fishpond development, and crop processing centres, while water and sanitation efforts require increased drilling of solar-powered boreholes.
The transport and communication sector highlighted the need for road rehabilitation, improved mobile network coverage, and establishment of local media platforms such as radio and television stations. The energy sector emphasized the need for expanded solar solutions due to low household electricity access.
The mining sector was noted to have strong potential, although challenges remain in value addition and investor support. Stakeholders expressed optimism that increased investment in mining could contribute to corporate social responsibility initiatives and environmental protection.
The District Commissioner also stressed the importance of developing local area plans for each ward and announced plans to establish a district hospital to improve health service delivery and reduce referrals. Strengthening child protection systems through the Social Welfare Department was also highlighted as a priority.
Reports from various clusters, including economic transformation and job creation, were presented. The district currently has 23 health facilities, and it was reported that condom distribution significantly exceeded targets, with 18,500 distributed against a target of 2,304.
Stakeholders, including GIZ and ADRA, commended the meeting for providing valuable insights and fostering constructive dialogue. GIZ reaffirmed its commitment to participating in cluster activities, while ADRA emphasized the importance of partnerships with government institutions and expressed willingness to support HIV/AIDS and child protection initiatives.
In closing, the District Commissioner thanked all participants for their contributions and encouraged continued collaboration. She also reminded stakeholders of the upcoming Labour Day celebrations, which will be held at New Mzumwa School on May 1, 2026.
The meeting was described as productive and a significant step toward coordinated development and improved service delivery in Lusangazi District.
Public Relations Unit
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