Lusaka City Council (LCC) has launched Zambia’s first Voluntary Local Review (VLR), assessing progress and priorities in localising Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Officiating the launch, Lusaka Mayor, Chilando Chitangala, said the VLR will position Lusaka as a pioneer in integrating SDGs into local governance, planning and service delivery, highlighting the city’s commitment to evidence-based planning, transparency, accountability and sustainable development.
Represented by Matero’s Kapwepwe Ward Councillor, Patrick Mwamba Salubusa, Chitangala expressed hope that the programme will inspire other Zambian cities to follow suit, noting that urban areas are at the forefront of development challenges and opportunities and SDG aspirations must be realised locally.
She added that the VLR will enable the city to assess progress, identify gaps and align local priorities with national and global frameworks.
Lusaka Town Clerk, Eng Liftery Ndaba, represented by LCC’s Director of Public Health, Victor Kagoli, said the VLR resulted from months of stakeholder collaboration, aiming to build an inclusive, resilient and sustainable city.
Eng. Ndaba thanked the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and partners for their financial support.
Meanwh, the Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting LCC and stakeholders in implementing such programmes for the betterment of the community.
Present at the launch were the Lusaka Provincial Local Government Officer, Charleston Hamulyata, Representatives from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, IKOE foundation, and Ward Development Committee representatives among others.