Zambia's local administration act, 1980: A critical appraisal of the integration objective

In 1980 administrative reforms were announced in Zambia which aimed at integrating the party, central government departments, and local authorities. Over 10 years have now elapsed since the announcement of the reforms and to date the envisaged integration has not been realized. The problems and prospects of the envisaged integration are examined. Integration has not been possible due to lack of a formula for it. It is not possible in an atmosphere where the District Council operates without a Development Plan whilst the various central government departments and agencies follow their own plans. The real aim of the integration was to revive the demoralized and ineffective UNIP organization at grass-roots level. The dysfunctions of political control in the Zambian context are examined. What local councils, central government departments and parastatals require is coordination and not integration with the party or an increase in political control. The reintroduction of multi-partyism has improved the prospects for this development.