President Hakainde Hichilema has directed the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to revise council rates downwards, saying the current charges are too high and are discouraging citizens from paying.
Speaking during a Special Meeting with councillors from across the country at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, the Head of State says high rates have resulted in low compliance and under-collection of revenue in many local authorities.
President Hichilema explained that lowering council rates to fair and affordable levels will encourage more residents to pay, ultimately increasing overall revenue collection.
He emphasized that broadening the base through realistic taxation, rather than imposing high charges on a few, is key to strengthening local government finances.
The President further stressed the need for councils to modernize operations and embrace digital systems to improve efficiency and accountability in revenue collection.
He also cautioned councillors against advocating for higher rates, reiterating that sustainable revenue growth lies in affordability, fairness, and improved compliance.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
