The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is the principal strategic planning instrument that provides an overarching framework for development in Rufunsa District. It guides and informs planning, budgeting, management, and decision-making across all sectors, while promoting an integrated approach to socio-economic and spatial development. The IDP places particular emphasis on the integration of socio-economic and spatial planning to promote equitable service delivery, inclusive economic development, balanced distribution of infrastructure, spatial harmony, and environmental sustainability. It seeks to ensure that development interventions are coordinated, responsive to the needs of communities, and aligned with the district’s long-term development aspirations. A key component of the IDP is the Spatial Development Framework (SDF), which provides a spatial representation of the district’s physical development aspirations. The SDF is intended to facilitate the timely identification and securing of land for various sectoral developments within the IDP area, while significantly increasing the availability of land for social and economic infrastructure and service provision. Furthermore, the Spatial Development Framework provides strategic direction for future land-use planning and development within the district. It establishes a basis for sustainable economic growth and development by guiding the provision and spatial distribution of infrastructure, facilities, and services over the next ten years. In doing so, the IDP and its SDF provide a coordinated and sustainable framework for managing Rufunsa District’s growth and development. The Plan is structured around 4 overarching development goals, each supported by a set of strategic objectives aimed at providing a coordinated framework for addressing the socio-economic, environmental, institutional, and spatial development needs of Rufunsa District and providing strategic direction for achieving sustainable and inclusive development: (1) transform the local economy of Rufunsa District and create sustainable employment opportunities. This will be achieved through enhancing farmer support programmes, promoting cooperative development, developing and maintaining road infrastructure, and establishing adequate public transport infrastructure. The goal will further focus on enhancing tourism diversification, promoting Local Economic Development (LED), and strengthening revenue collection by the Local Authority; (2) enhancing human and social development and improving the overall quality of life of residents in the district. This will be pursued by improving access to quality education for all learners, strengthening access to healthcare services and promoting the health and wellbeing of residents, and improving access to clean and safe water and adequate sanitation. The goal will also focus on reducing poverty and inequality levels across the district; (3) enhancing environmental sustainability and strengthening the district’s capacity to manage environmental challenges. Key interventions will include increasing the adaptive capacity of communities and institutions to the impacts of climate change, as well as improving the efficient and sustainable management of solid waste throughout the district; (4) enhancing a good governance environment characterised by transparency, accountability, effective service delivery, and meaningful citizen participation. This will be achieved by enhancing citizen participation in local development processes and creating and maintaining a mutually beneficial working relationship between the Local Authority and the public. The goal will also focus on improving land registration processes and enhancing the efficient and effective delivery of municipal services to residents. The Plan focuses on the key sectors of agriculture, livestock and fisheries, tourism, mining, transport and communication, health, education, energy, water and sanitation, solid waste management, and natural resources. Main actions include expanding agricultural production and irrigation, developing tourism attractions and hospitality services, formalizing mining activities, upgrading roads and telecommunications, constructing and equipping health and education facilities, expanding electricity distribution and renewable energy, improving water supply and sanitation infrastructure, strengthening waste collection and landfill systems, and promoting forest, wildlife and environmental conservation to support sustainable economic growth and job creation. The Implementation Programme provides a framework for financing and supporting the implementation of the Plan. It focuses on assessing the Local Authority’s revenue performance, identifying challenges affecting revenue collection, determining the available and potential revenue base, and developing a financial plan for the implementation period. The Programme identifies the revenue sources available to support the Plan during its first five years of implementation. These include local taxes, fees, licences, trading permits, and grants and other transfers from Central Government.
Zambia · 2024-01-01