By Coreen Chooye-Mvula –

SUBSTANTIAL progress has been scored in the implementation of the Revised National Decentralisation Policy.
Of particular importance is the day of December 10, 2014, during which Cabinet Office issued Circular Number 10, of 2014 affecting the devolution of selected functions from Central Government to Councils.
The transfer of functions from Central Government to Councils commenced in January 2015 and, apart from devolving functions, the above Circular also mandates Councils to create Ward Development Committees (WDCs) as the fourth tier of Government as required in the Revised National Decentralisation Policy (R-NDP).
The R-NDP, whose mission statement is “To promote a decentralised and democratically elected system of governance which enhances community participation in decision-making”, emphasises the importance of community participation in national development.
In this regard, the Policy outlines specific measures to be put in place in order to ensure the enhancement of citizen participation in the national development process.
Among these is the formation of Ward Development Committees (WDCs).
In 2010, the Decentralisation Secretariat embarked on a nation-wide stakeholder consultation programme, which culminated into the development of Guidelines on the Establishment, Management and Operations of Ward Development Committees (WDCs).
The Constitution and Circular Number 10 have further given to devolution and recognises the need to facilitate people’s participation in the decentralisation process.
The Guidelines are to be used by Councils and other stakeholders in the creation and management of WDCs nationwide.
Therefore, the Manual on the Establishment, Operations and Management of Ward Development Committees (WDCs) is the guiding principle to enable councils roll out the programme for creating WDCs in their localities.
It is commendable to note that the establishment of the model WDCs has been prioritised by councils such as Solwezi taking the lead in the process followed by Luangwa, Chipata, Masaiti, Samfya, Shibuyunji, Kafue District council,  Kasama and Chingola Municipal Councils.
In the past two months and in collaboration with the Lusaka and North Western Provincial Administration, Cabinet Office undertook monitoring visits to the WDCs established in the above districts.
This was to demonstrate high level government commitment to devolution and to also serve as part of the decentralisation implementation monitoring and evaluation programme to assess the impact of decentralisation with regards to people participation in development.
These visits were led by the Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Peter Kasanda who was accompanied by Permanent Secretaries and Directors at Cabinet Office.
During the tour, sensitisation meetings were held for all Provincial and District Heads of Departments including those from Ministries whose functions have been devolved.
The monitoring team held interactive meetings with WDC members from Matebo, Mumena, Lumwana East and Shilenda Wards in Solwezi.
In Chingola, the team held meetings with WDC members of Maiteneke and Nchanga Wards.
In Luangwa District, interactive meetings were held with Mphuka, Chikoka, Makonkhwe and Mburuma Ward Development Committees of Mphuka and Mburuma Chiefdoms.
The meetings were aimed at getting insight and feedback from the Committees on their operations, expectations and challenges faced since they were ushered into office.
From the interactions with the WDCs, Cabinet Office found out that Ward Development Committees held regular meetings to discuss issues affecting the communities and during these meetings, priority projects were identified by the people.
This is the essence of decentralisation by devolution: to allow citizens at the lowest level to plan and prioritise their development needs.
It was also gratifying to learn by Cabinet office that Ward Development Committees have the full support of the Chiefs and their Royal Highnesses who are also interested in ensuring that communities took up the responsibility of improving their livelihoods.
The creation, management and operations of WDCs are also receiving the support and cooperation of staff that have been devolved to Councils.
Mr Kasanda commended Councils for successfully creating WDCs adding that there was no other way of empowering people apart from providing them with a platform for their participation in development.
From the foregoing, it is clear that the decentralisation implementation process is now in full gear and all stakeholders should prepare their mindsets for the change that is happening as a result of devolution.
The districts and communities visited have welcomed and embraced the concept of Ward Development Committees as this was evident from the enthusiasm exhibited by the Committee members and the Chiefs visited.
However, the motivation and energy which the communities have shown towards the establishment of the Ward Development Committees has to be properly harnessed through appropriate mindset change amongst all stakeholders.
The effective implementation of decentralisation will improve the livelihoods of our people.
The commitment by Government to decentralisation therefore remains strong and is being practically realised.
Decentralisation by devolution is now bearing fruit of development and is now effectively being implemented.
The decentralisation process is here for development and for promotion of good governance and is here to stay.
In the next articles, I will outline some of the key strategies used in the creation of WDCs.
(The Author is Assistant Director –Communications, Decentralisation Secretariat)