Eastern

Provincial Office of the Public Protector – Eastern Province

The Provincial Office of the Public Protector in Eastern Province is situated on Plot No 650, Luangwa Road, Town Center next to Chipata City Council (new building), opposite Chipata Post Office.

Chipata Office (picture 1)

Background

Pursuant to Articles 147 and 148 the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment Act) No. 2 of 2016, government commenced the process of implementation of the National Decentralization Policy, a devolving system of governance by way of transferring functions to a subnational authority or opening a branch to a public office /institution to bring a service to the sub national level.

Article 243 (3) of the Constitution (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016 states that the Office of the Public Protector shall decentralize to the provinces and progressively to districts. In 2022, government commenced the process of decentralizing the Office of the Public Protector at provincial level.

In 2023, the institution began decentralizing its operations from the Headquarters Office in Lusaka to the provinces. The aim of this effort was to bring the Ombudsman’s services closer to the people.

To that end, the Office of the Public Protector opened the Eastern Provincial Office on 15th January 2024. In February 2024, the Chief Administrator introduced the provincial staff and paid a courtesy call to the Provincial Administration Office, the District Administration Office, and the Mayor of Chipata.

Courtesy Call and Introducing Provincial staff to the Permanent Secretary, Provincial Administration Chipata District (Picture 2)

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE PROVINCIAL OFFICE

Eastern Province joined the rest of the country in commemorating Africa Public Service Day on 23rd June 2024. The theme for the event was, “Empowering a Citizen-Centric Public Service for an Inclusive and Thriving 21st Century Africa: A Journey of Lifelong Learning and Technological Transformation.” This theme was supported by five sub-themes.

The celebration featured various activities, with institutions showcasing the services they offer. Judges from diverse sectors evaluated the participants accordingly. The Eastern Provincial Office received the award for the “Most Customer-Centric Institution.

(Picture 3)

(Picture 4)