Central Province in Zambia is a diverse region known for its historical significance, rich natural resources, and cultural heritage. Here’s a concise summary:
- Geography and Nature:
- Area: 94,394 km².
- Capital: Kabwe, home to the Mulungushi Rock of Authority, a significant historical site.
- National Parks & Wildlife:
- Kafue National Park (shared with Southern and North-Western provinces).
- Other significant areas include Kasanka National Park, Blue Lagoon National Park, Bangweulu Wetlands, and Lukanga Swamp.
- Natural Resources: Fertile soils, mining (precious metals, gold, coal), and forestry.
- Population and Demographics:
- Population: 1,307,111 (as of 2010), about 10% of Zambia’s total.
- Language and Culture:
- Bemba is widely spoken.
- Lala is the largest clan.
- Economy:
- Agriculture (cotton, maize, wheat) is a key economic driver, contributing nearly a quarter of Zambia’s agricultural output.
- Historical Significance:
- Considered the birthplace of Zambia’s national movement.
- United National Independence Party (UNIP) was founded in Kabwe, leading to the independence movement.
- Administration:
- Districts: 11 in total, each headed by a councilor.
- The province is overseen by a minister and permanent secretary appointed by the president.
- Culture:
- Festivals:
- Ikubi Lya Loongo (July), Ichibwela Mushi (September), and others celebrate tribal heritage, harvest, and leadership.
- Festivals:
Central Province’s diverse landscape and cultural richness make it a unique and vibrant part of Zambia.
The provincial administration is set up purely for administrative purposes. The province is headed by a minister appointed by the President and there are ministries of central government for each province. The administrative head of the province is the Permanent Secretary, appointed by the President. There is a Deputy Permanent Secretary, heads of government departments and civil servants at the provincial level. Central Province is divided into eleven districts:
- Chibombo District
- Chisamba District
- Chitambo District
- Kabwe District
- Kapiri Mposhi District
- Luano District
- Mkushi District
- Mumbwa District
- Ngabwe District
- Serenje District
- Shibuyunji District
All of the district headquarters are the same as the district names. There are eleven councils in the province, each of which is headed by an elected representative, called a councilor. Each councilor holds office for three years.[32] The administrative staff of the council is selected based on the Local Government Service Commission from within or outside the district. The office of the provincial government is located in each of the district headquarters and has provincial local government officers and auditors. Each council is responsible for raising and collecting local taxes and the budgets of the council are audited and submitted every year after the annual budget. The elected members of the council do not draw salaries, but are paid allowances from the council. Central Province is predominantly rural and hence there are no city or municipal councils. The government stipulates 63 different functions for the councils, with the majority of them being infrastructure management and local administration. Councils are mandated to maintain each of their community centres, zoos, local parks, drainage systems, playgrounds, cemeteries, caravan sites, libraries, museums and art galleries. They also work with specific government departments for helping in agriculture, conservation of natural resources, providing postal service, and establishing and maintaining hospitals, schools and colleges. The councils prepare schemes that encourage community participation
