-Our Departments
Institutional Management
Mr. Julius Katuka
Council Secretary
Institutional Management carries out executive functions of the council including that of the Council Chairperson and the Council Secretary. Units or sections that report directly to the executive head not through another directorate are the Public Relations, Procurement, ICT Section and Internal Auditing Sections.
The office of the Council Secretary serves as the institution’s Chief Executive Officer assumes the oversight responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the Local Authority and spearheading the delivery of developmental programs within the district.
The Public Relations Unit is crucial in managing and disseminating information to the citizens. The unit is responsible for the strategic communication processes that build mutually beneficial relationships with the public as the face and the mouthpiece of the Local Authority.
The Public Relations Unit handles various public functions for the LA including anticipating, analyzing and interpreting public opinion, perceptions and attitudes towards the council. The section is also responsible for drafting and distributing press releases, planning and executing special public outreach and media relations events, and developing a crisis public relations strategy. It also handles the council’s social media presence and responds to public reviews on social media websites.
The Public relations unit is instrumental in maintaining a positive reputation of the council and fostering a strategic relationship with the public, prospective partners, investors, employees and other stakeholders
The internal Audit Section serves as a pivotal mechanism for maintaining operational integrity within the local Authority. This Section is responsible for developing and implementing checks and controls, conducting risk assessments, and overseeing management procedures both at policy level and operations. Regular audits are carried out to ensure compliance with existing legislation and enhance operational efficiency. The findings from these audits are compiled into comprehensive reports, which are then presented to the executive head of the Local Authority and the Audit committee for review and recommended action.
The Procurement Section is responsible for overseeing and managing all procurement processes. This section ensures that all purchases of goods and services are conducted per established policies, legislation, and procedures promoting transparency, fairness, and cost- effectiveness. Regular compliance controls are performed to verify adherence to the procurement guidelines and identify areas for improvement. The procurement section plays a vital role in supporting the institution’s operations and strategic objectives and in the delivery of the CDF project procurement and delivery.
The section is headed by the Systems Analyst and assisted by one programmer.
This Section is responsible for providing support services to the operations of the Local Authority in the area of ICT services to enhance service delivery and optimize operations. Some of the key responsibilities are;
The Legal Services Unit is responsible for providing legal advice and ensuring that the interests of the Council are safeguarded.
The Unit is headed by a Council Advocate and assisted by two (2) Senior Legal Assistant.
The Unit performs the following specific functions:
a) Represent the Council in legal matters before the Courts of law in
order to safeguard the Council’s interests.
b) Prepare litigation documents on litigation cases for the Council in order to safeguard Government resources.
c) Provide legal advice to the Council in order to make informed decisions.
d) Process land applications in order to facilitate allocation and sustainable development.
e) Prosecute criminal offences pursuant to the Local Government Act and other related legislation in order to enhance compliance.
f) Maintain the Deeds Register in order to facilitate property ownership.
g) Issue licenses in order to regulate the conduct of business.
h) Prepare and execute contracts in order to enhance contract management.
i) Coordinate the drafting of all contracts and agreements before submission to the Attorney General in order to accord easy venting.
j) Provide Levies, Tariffs, Tolls and Licenses; and
k) Provide legal advice on tax laws in order for the Attorney General to consider and make informed decisions.
Chembe Town Council
Chembe District
Luapula Province, Zambia
P. O. Box 710424
Email address: chembecouncil@yahoo.com or chembetowncouncil@gmail.com
Mansa-Chembe Road