Minister of Local Government Gift Sialubalu has directed all local authorities in the 116 districts of Zambia to provide office space for council police officers to enhance their effectiveness.
Mr. Sialubalu says council police are closest to communities in matters of security scrutiny and therefore require proper coordination, respect and decent working conditions.
Mr Sialubalu has questioned how officers can investigate a Constituency Development Fund-CDF project when they operate under a tree, describing such conditions as unacceptable.
He has noted that a safe and supportive work environment, rather than salary alone, motivates officers to perform effectively.
He was Speaking during the pass-out parade of 155 Council Police Officers from Chalimban Local Government Training Institute in Chongwe Friday.
And Mr. Sialubalu has directed all Principle Offices in local authories to make use of council police offices in improving thier revenue generation especially in markets and public places.
Meanwhile ZULAWU President Emmanuel Mwinsa has called on governance to consider upgrading the salary scale of council olice officers now that they are undergoing intensive policing tranning.
Mr. Mwinsa has further called for conducive work environment for the officers as well as a change of name from council police to Local Government police offices.
By Prudence Chota
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