29/10/2026
PS CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESULTS-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT
Kasama, 29th October 2026 – Northern Province Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms. Beauty Undi-Phiri, has called on government departments, local authorities and development stakeholders to strengthen accountability, coordination and efficiency in implementing government programmes to accelerate development across the province.
Speaking during the official opening of the Third Quarter 2026 Provincial Development Coordinating Committee (PDCC) meeting in Kasama, Ms. Undi-Phiri emphasised the need for development plans, programmes and budgets to align with the Grow Zambia Agenda, which focuses on economic growth, national connectivity, improved living standards, an efficient public sector and sustainable financing.
She said the province must harness its agricultural potential, tourism attractions, water resources and forestry to stimulate investment, create employment and improve household incomes.
Ms. Undi-Phiri urged newly elected mayors, council chairpersons and councillors to place public service above political differences and ensure that development initiatives respond to the genuine needs of communities.
She stressed that Ward Development Committees must operate transparently and inclusively, while Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects should prioritise interventions that deliver meaningful benefits to local communities.
The Acting Permanent Secretary also called for strengthened community preparedness against climate-related risks, including changing rainfall patterns and the potential effects of El Niño on agriculture, water availability and food security.
She urged local authorities and relevant government departments to sensitise communities on climate-smart agricultural practices, promote suitable crop varieties and discourage settlement in flood-prone areas to protect lives, property and livelihoods.
Ms. Undi-Phiri further urged stakeholders attending the meeting to ensure that deliberations were evidence-based and results-oriented, with clear implementation timelines, responsible officers and corrective measures for programmes that fall behind schedule.
She said the success of the PDCC should be measured by tangible development outcomes, improved service delivery and the effective use of public resources for the benefit of the people of Northern Province.
Meanwhile Assistant Secretary in his opening remarks called for strengthened collaboration in order to enhance accountability and harmonise development strategies to ensure that government programmes and projects deliver tangible benefits to the people of Northern Province.
Issued by:
Sandra M. Siasiya
Principal Public Relations Officer
Northern Province