Robert M'lauzi - Council Secretary

The office of the Council Secretary serving as the institution’s Chief Executive Officer CEO assumes the oversight responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the Local Authority and spearheading the delivery of developmental programs within the district making sure there is strict adherence to government guidelines. The following are the Units which report directly to the Office of the Council Secretary;

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Unit.

he 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:

  • Design and Administration of Computerized Systems.
  • Provide Training to staff.
  • Research and Development.

The Procurement Unit

The Procurement Section, as a critical component of the institution, 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 procurement guidelines and to 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.

Internal Audit Unit

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.

Public Relations Unit

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 and events for the LA including anticipating, analyzing, and interpreting public opinion, perceptions, and attitudes toward the council. It drafts strategies that use free or paid media, print or electronic to counteract information gaps and conduct sensitizations on council and developmental projects and operations.

The Planning Department holds the authority for both Rural and Urban Planning and Development control. The units Under the supervision of the Director of Planning include Physical Planning, Environmental Planning, Social Economic Planning, Community Development, Buildings Inspections and Public Health. The department is tasked with establishing a clear developmental framework and roadmap for the District. 

Physical Planning

The Physical Planning Section is comprised of two units namely town planning and Survey which executes town planning strategies to achieve a harmonious and acceptable urban environment. The key responsibilities under this section include among others. 

  • Design of local Area plans.
  • Numbering of Plots
  • Forward Planning.
  • Coordination of transport routes and bus stations to optimise city planning.
  • Placement and Re-Establishing of property boundaries.
  • Road marking.
  • Preparation of survey diagrams.
  • Preparation of survey reports.
  • Management of Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

 

Social Economic Planning

The section is mandated to undertake socio-economic planning to enhance the implementation of Council developmental plans and programs. Key responsibilities include:

  • Development Planning.
  • Capacity building.
  • Project Proposals.
  • Coordinate Constituency Development Fund (CDF) activities
  • Monitoring and Evaluation.
  • Coordinate Cash For Work Program and other related programs

 

Environmental Planning

The section is mandated to with the responsibility of protecting the community from environmental harm and  mainstreaming environmental concerns in development plans and programs to enhance sustainability. Key responsibilities include Preparation of Environmental Assessment Reports, Preparation of Environmental Briefs and Conduct Environmental Education.

Building Inspectorate

The role of this unit include among others approval of building plans, identification and control of  illegal and unauthorised structures as well as Building Inspections 

Community Development

This Section responsible for Facilitating the mobilisation of communities in community development activities, manage and implement social protection programs, Implement skills development to enhance the availability of skills in communities and Coordinate the development of community sports in the district.

Public Health

The Public Health unit is responsible for safeguarding the health of the community by preventing, controlling and eliminating diseases as well as  solid waste management. The key functions of the Public Health Unit Include the following among others;

  • disease prevention and control
  • environmental and port Health
  • food safety and workplace inspection
  • Burial services
  • pest control services
  • public awareness and education

The Directorate of Human Resource and Administration is Headed the Director with the the following units falling under his stewardship, Human Resource, General Administration, Committee, Registry and Council Police.

Human Resource Unit

Human Resource Management (HRM) encompasses a wide array of functions aimed at effectively managing an organization's workforce. These functions include recruitment, training, and development , performance management, compensation and  benefits , employee relations, and ensuring compliance with labour laws. Essentially, HRM is responsible for attracting, retaining, and developing a productive and engaged workforce. 

General Administration Section

The unit is responsible for general administration and running of day to day office operations. some of the key functions of the general administration include the following;

  • Facilitate the solemnizing of marriages
  • Procure of office furniture and equipment.
  • Promote staff health and safety in the council. Identify the number of sick people as well as visit the visit. Identify prone risk areas.
  • Transport Management. Manages effectively the availability of transport to facilitate staff mobility and transportation of materials and equipment.
  • Licensing and insuring. Facilitate the licensing and insurance of all vehicles for the Council.
  • Office accommodation. Provide timely provision of office space for officers to create a conducive work environment.
  • Management of clerical services.
  • General maintenance of office spaces and surrounding.

Committee Section

The committee section is the secretariat for all council meetings. The section documents and minutes all councils meeting.

Council Police Unit

The unit is responsible for Community police, Maintain Security, and Law and order. The unit also ensures council property is protected from theft and damage.

Registry Unit

Responsible for records management and filling of council records and correspondences.

Elizabeth Hara - Director of Finance

The Department of Finance is Headed by the a Director and is responsible for management of financial resources in order to implement programmes. The department is also responsible for management of commercial and business development services and stores. The finance department is comprised of the following sections.

Finance Section

The finance section is responsible for management of financial resources in order to facilitate implementation of programmes. 

The stores unit

The stores unit which falls under  the finance section plays a critical role and is responsible for the management of the stores function in order facilitate receipt and distribution of goods and ensure safe custody.

The Commercial and Business Development Section.

The section is headed by a Commercial Services Manager and is responsible for the management of commercial and business development services and performs the following specific functions:

  • Develop new business ventures
  • conduct market research 
  • provide research and development services  and 
  • manage hospitality services and other business ventures
Libombela Malala - Director Engineering Services

The department of Engineering is responsible for the provision of engineering services, Rescue and fire services, management of Parks and gardens and Maintenance of motor vehicles, plant and equipment. Further the Department is responsible for inspection of vehicles, dredging and pontoon crossing services. The Department is Headed by The Director of Engineering services who is assisted by The Deputy Director Engineering services and Divisional Fire Officer. The following are the units under the Engineering Services Department;

The Engineering Section 

The section is responsible for planning and implementing engineering services, construction of parks and gardens, and maintenance of motor vehicles, plant and equipment and as dredging. it is also responsible for conducting inspection on vehicles in order to facilitate issuance of Licences.

Maintenance and Electrical Engineering Unit 

The unit is responsible for installation and maintenance of electrical systems, street and traffic lighting and provision of other electrical services. Further, the unit is also responsible for maintenance and management of public buildings and properties in order to prolong serviceability and their life span.

Quantity Surveying Unit

This unit is responsible for preparation of bill of quantities, forms for tender, estimates of costs, schedules of works and administration of contracts in order to control coast and facilitate the construction of public buildings and properties.

Architecture Unit

The unit is responsible for preparation of architectural designs and working drawings. it is supervises, administer and manage contracts for the construction of public buildings in order to ensure quality infrastructure. 

Parks and Gardens Unit 

The unit is responsible for the management parks, gardens and open space to ensure a green environment and beautify the District.

Roads and Drainages unit

This unit is responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of roads and drainages.

Mechanical Services Unit 

The unit is responsible for providing mechanical services in order to enhance Council Operations.

Rural water and Sanitation Unit 

The Rural water and Sanitation Unit is responsible for coordinating the provision of water supply in rural areas in order it available to consumers. it is also responsible for coordinating of sanitation services in peri urban and rural areas in order to safe guard the health of communities and the environment.

Fire and Rescue Services unit 

The fire services unit plays a very critical role  in providing of fire and rescue services in order to safe guard lives and property. The following are the critical functions the fire services unit plays

  • provide fire fighting and rescue services.
  • conduct training on fire fighting and rescue services in order to build capacity.
  • Conduct of Fire and rescue service.
  • Inspect premises and provide advice on fire prevention.
  •  Collaborate with relevant stake holders of infrastructure design for fire safety.
  • Facilitate the repair and maintenance of the fire fighting vehicles and machinery.

The Department  of Community Development is responsible for the provision of community development services and social protection programmes. The Department is  also responsible for the management of Council properties and housing services, as well as administration of bus stations and market facilities. Further, it is responsible for provision of library services, management of Archives, cultural matters, sports and recreation activities and skills development. This Department is Headed by The Director of Community services and assisted by Assistant Director Social Services, Assistant Director Bus Stations, Markets and Housing and a Tourism Officer. The department comprises of two sections and one unit namely:

Social services section

This Section is responsible for the provision of social welfare and community development services, cultural affairs, sports and recreation activities and skills development in order to promote the wellbeing of the community. It also provides library and archiving services in order to provide reference materials and preserve information. This section has the following Units

 Community Development Unit

This Unit is responsible for the provision of community development services in order to improve the wellbeing of the community. The Unit performs specific functions such as Conduct registration of community voluntary organisations, Facilitate the mobilisation of communities to participate in community development activities and  Coordinate the implementation of skills development in order to enhance availability of skills in the communities.

Social Welfare Services Unit

The Unit is responsible for coordinating and implementing social protection programmes in the District.

Sports Unit

The sports Unit is responsible for coordinating the development of community sports in the district.

 Cultural Affairs Unit

The Unit is responsible for preservation and promotion of tangible and intangible cultural heritage for posterity

Library and Archiving Services Unit

The Unit is responsible for the provision of Library information services. It shall be responsible for the collection, care and control of semi - current and non -current records in order to safeguard them and ensure lawful access.

Bus Stations, Markets and Housing Section

The Section is responsible for the administration and management of bus stations and markets. It also provides housing services and manage Council properties. The Section performs specific functions which include Management of  bus stations and market, Provision Housing Services and Management Council Properties.

Tourism Unit

This Unit responsible for promotion of local tourism in order to market the district and contribute to revenue collection.

some of the functions performed by this unit are as follows;

  1. Implement tourism sector development plans, programs and projects.
  2. Collaborate with local institutions on matters related to tourism development.
  3. Conduct local tourism research in order to generate information to inform decision making.
  4. Promote local tourism product development.
  5. Promote Tourism Business Development and investment in the district.

The Department is headed by the Director of Health Services and assisted by the Assistant Director of Health Services as well Assistant Director of Public Health Services.

The Health Department is responsible for the provision of preventive and curative health services through general nursing care and clinical care and provision of medical equipment, and pharmaceutical services. The Health Department is also responsible for implementing programmes and projects aimed at preventing, controlling and eliminating diseases in order to promote health and prolong life. This department comprises of two (2) sections listed below:

Health Services Section

The Health Services Section is responsible for coordinating the provision of preventive and curative health services through general nursing care, clinical care, medical equipment, and pharmaceutical services. The Section provides oversight to District Hospitals, Mini Hospitals, Zonal Health Centres, Health Centres and Health Posts. The two units under this sections are explained below 

Clinical Care and Diagnostic Services Unit

This Unit is responsible for coordinating the provision of clinical, pharmaceutical and diagnostic services in the District. It also provides oversight to the provision of biomedical services.

Nursing and Midwifery Services Unit

The Unit coordinates the provision of nursing and midwifery services in order to facilitate for early recovery and improved patient outcomes.

Public Health Services Section

This is the Section that is the responsible for implementing programmes and projects aimed at preventing, controlling and eliminating diseases in order to promote health and prolong life. This section also manages for solid waste and provides public health educational programmes.

The Section is comprised of six (6) Units as follows:

  1. Public Health
  2. Environmental Health
  3. Health Inspectorate
  4. Health Promotions
  5. Cleansing and Pest Control
  6. Funeral Services.

This  Department is headed by a Director - Fisheries, Livestock and Veterinary Services

The Department is  responsible for the implementation of the fisheries and livestock development programmes as well as provision of veterinary services. It is also responsible for monitoring  of the implementation of the national capture of fisheries and aquaculture programmes. The sections of this unit are listed below

Fisheries and Aquaculture Section

The Section is responsible for implementing and monitoring the national fisheries programmes and the capture of fisheries management and aquaculture development. It also ensures that the functions of regulation, education and extension services are effectively carried out at District level.

Livestock Development Section

The Livestock Development section implements livestock development programmes in the District in order to enhance livestock productivity and quality.

Veterinary Services Section

The Veterinary Services Section is responsible for controlling zoonotic diseases in order to ensure the safety of animal source foods, reduce antimicrobial resistance and promote animal welfare.