Teachers turn to Social Media update number of districts in Zambia

By Maurice Makalu

Do you know how many districts there are now in Zambia? Neither do we. But it is definitely no longer 72.

But we will know soon!

Instead of sitting down doing nothing or just waiting for the government to publish its updated official list, which may take ages due to beauraucracy and even inefficiency, the people tasked with educating our children, the Teachers, have turned to social media, specifically Facebook, to compile this information for the nation.

For about three (3) days now, teachers, in their Facebook Teachers Forum found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/zamteachers/, have been pooling their knowledge together to find the correct number of districts.

Spearheaded by the group administrators: Bo-Pumulo Mungoma,Richard Malunga and Naulapwa Nyondo, they have released a working list of 102 districts, as shown below. This is a working list (subject to a few possible amendments).

DISTRICTS IN ZAMBIA
1. CENTRAL
Kabwe (Provincial Capital), Chibombo, Chisamba, Chitambo, Ithezhi-thezhi, Kapiri-Mposhi, Luano, Mkushi, Mumbwa, Ngabwe, and Serenje (11)

2. COPPERBELT
Ndola (Provincial Capital), Chililabombwe, Chingola, Kalulushi, Kitwe, Luanshya, Lufwanyama, Masaiti, Mpongwe and Mufulira (10)

3. EASTERN
Chipata (Provincial Capital), Chadiza, Katete, Lundazi, Mambwe, Nyimba, Petauke, Sinda, and Vubwi (9)

4. LUSAKA
Lusaka (National & Provincial Capital), Chilanga, Chirundu, Chongwe, Kafue, Luangwa, Rufunsa and Shibuyunji (8)

5. LUAPULA
Mansa (Provincial Capital) Chembe, Chiengi, Chipili, Kawambwa, Lunga, Milenge, Mwansabombwe, Mwense, Nchelenge and Samfya (11)

6. MUCHINGA
Chinsali (Provincial Capital), Chama, Isoka, Mafinga, Mpika, Nakonde, and Shiwang’andu (7)

7. NORTHERN
Kasama (Provincial Capital), Kaputa, Nsama, Luwingu, Mbala, Mporokoso, Mpulungu and Mungwi (7)

8. NORTH WESTERN
Solwezi (Provincial Capital), Chavuma, Ikeleng’a, Kabompo, Kasempa, Manyinga, Mufumbwe, Mwinilunga and Zambezi (9)

9. SOUTHERN
Choma (Provincial Capital) Chikankata, Gwembe, Kalomo, Kazungula, Livingstone, Mazabuka, Monze, Namwala, Pemba, Siavonga, Sinazongwe, Zimba (13)

10. WESTERN
Mongu (Provincial Capital), Kalabo, Kaoma, Limulunga, Luampa, Lukulu, Mitete, Mulobezi, Nkeyema, Mwandi, Nalolo, Senanga, Sesheke, Shangombo, Sikongo, and Sioma (16)

NATIONAL TOTAL OF DISTRICTS: 102

The number may rise to 108 as there are some places earmarked to be declared districts.

NORTHERN : – Kapatu, Senga Hill and Mpanda

MUCHINGA: – Mununga, Chisanga Ponde, Nabwalya Chiombo

This list requires verification and confirmation and the new Minister of Local Government, Emmanuel Chenda, may make it the subject of his first press statement at his new ministry to inform the nation.

In the meantime, we commend the teachers for this very proactive initiative.