LOCAL AUTHORITY ACTIVITIES

MARRIAGE SOLEMNIZATION

Marriage solemnization is the official legal process through which a marriage is formally recognized under the Marriage Act, Cap 50 of the Laws of Zambia. It is conducted by authorized officers of the Local Authority or licensed religious ministers. The process ensures that marriages meet all legal requirements, including consent, age, and proper documentation.

Ngabwe Town Council provides marriage solemnization services to residents, ensuring that unions are legally valid, properly registered, and issued with an official marriage certificate.

REVENUE COLLECTION

Ngabwe Town Council is mandated under the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019 to mobilize and manage local revenues to support service delivery and development initiatives in the district.

The Council collects revenue from various sources, including but not limited to:

• Business and trading licenses

• Market levies

• Plot sales and development charges

• Marriage solemnization and certification of documents

• Other statutory charges and user fees

Revenue collected is reinvested into the community through infrastructure development, social services and other council programs. Ngabwe Town Council remains committed to ensuring transparent, efficient, and accountable revenue collection practices, in line with government policy and the principles of good governance.

MAINTAINING PUBLIC ORDER

Ngabwe Town Council, in line with its mandate under the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019, is committed to ensuring a safe and orderly environment for all residents of the district.

The Council works in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, and community structures to:

• Regulate street vending, markets, and bus stations

• Enforce by-laws and control illegal trading activities

• Support security initiatives to safeguard public property and infrastructure

• Promote peaceful coexistence within communities through civic education and sensitization

• Ensure compliance with health, sanitation, and environmental regulations

Ngabwe Town Council strives to foster a secure, inclusive, and well-managed district, where development and service delivery can take place without disruption through these measures.

ENFORCING REGULATION ON BAR OPERATION HOURS

Ngabwe Town Council is mandated to regulate and monitor liquor trading within the district to ensure compliance with the Liquor Licensing Act and local by-laws.

In line with this mandate, the Council:

• Sets and enforces operating hours for bars, taverns, and nightclubs

• Issues and renews liquor licenses in accordance with the law

• Conducts routine inspections to ensure compliance with health, safety, and licensing requirements

• Works with law enforcement agencies to curb illegal liquor trading and underage drinking

• Promotes responsible alcohol consumption and community well-being

Through the enforcement of these regulations, the Council seeks to balance economic activity in the hospitality sector with the safety, health, and peace of the community.

Regulating and control businesses

Business activities in are regulated and controlled in line with National Laws and Ngabwe Town Council is mandated to regulate, monitor, and control business activities within the district to ensure compliance with national laws and local by-laws.

Key responsibilities include:

• Issuing and renewing trading licenses for various businesses

• Monitoring compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards

• Conducting regular inspections to ensure lawful operations

• Enforcing regulations to curb illegal trading and unregistered enterprises

• Providing an enabling environment for both small and large-scale businesses to thrive

Through effective regulation and control, the Council promotes fair trade, consumer protection, and sustainable economic development in Ngabwe District.

PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES

The Local Authority is mandated to safeguard and promote the health and wellbeing of residents by ensuring that public health standards are maintained across the district.

Key services include:

• Disease prevention and control through community health sensitization and inspections.

• Waste management and sanitation, including garbage collection, drainage maintenance, and pest control.

• Inspection of food premises such as restaurants, butcheries, and markets to ensure compliance with hygiene standards.

• Monitoring of water quality to prevent waterborne diseases.

• Health education and awareness campaigns to promote healthy living practices.

• Support during health emergencies, including response to disease outbreaks in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

FIREARM LICENSING

The Council, working in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, plays a regulatory role in the licensing of firearms. This process ensures that firearms are only issued to eligible applicants in accordance with the laws of Zambia. The goal is to enhance public safety, promote accountability, and reduce the risk of illegal firearm possession and misuse within Ngabwe District.