Equalisation Transfers and Service Delivery in Local Authorities in Zambia

Dr Hanson Chishimba explores his research on Equalisation transfers, a government initiative aimed at assisting local authorities in Zambia to enhance service provision to their communities.

The discussion delves into the history of municipalities in Zambia and evaluates the effectiveness of these transfers in addressing service imbalances. He further scrutinizes the financial responsibilities of local authorities, aiming to mitigate existing horizontal and vertical fiscal disparities.

Additionally, he addresses the fiscal illusion faced by numerous local authorities, which distorts their perception of revenue and expenditure, leading to a disconnect.

The research emphasizes the significance of bolstering the technical, administrative, and financial capabilities of local authorities to improve service delivery.