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Mufulira Municipal Council

The Department of Legal Services

Zambia’s local authority legal departments provide essential legal support, ensuring compliance with laws like the Local Government Act, handling litigation, drafting contracts, managing land administration (titles, licenses), advising council on governance, and prosecuting offenses, acting as key enablers for proper service delivery and risk mitigation. They are staffed by Council Advocates and operate in sections like litigation, estates, and licensing, working to uphold the law and protect council interests. 

These departments operate under the mandate of national laws, including the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019 and Lands Act. 

Dedeire N Chisenga (Mrs) - Director of Legal Services

Units Under the Department of Legal Services

1. Litigation Unit

The litigation unit within Zambian local authorities is primarily responsible for managing all legal proceedings, both as a plaintiff (initiating action) and a defendant (defending against action), to safeguard the council’s interests. 
Key responsibilities include:
 
  • Conducting and Managing Legal Cases
  • Representation
  • Prosecuting Offenders
  • Legal Research and Advice
  • Out-of-Court Settlements
  • External Counsel Management
  • Ensuring Compliance

2. Estates & Deeds Unit

The Estates Unit within a Zambian local authority primarily focuses on land administration and alienation, rather than the administration of deceased persons’ property, which is handled by the Administrator-General. The unit’s functions are rooted in the Lands Act of 1995 and the Urban and Regional Planning Act of 2015. 
 
Key responsibilities of the Estates Unit in a local authority include:
 
  • Land Administration and Alienation
  • Documentation Preparation
  • Property Management
  • Legal Compliance
  • Revenue Generation Support

3. Licensing Unit

The Licensing Unit within a local authority in Zambia is primarily responsible for processing, issuing, and enforcing various business and trading licenses to regulate commercial activities within its jurisdiction. This is done in accordance with specific legislation such as the Trades Licensing Act (Chapter 393) and the Liquor Licensing Act No. 20 of 2011. 
 
Key responsibilities of the Licensing Unit include:
  • Processing Applications
  • Inspections and Compliance
  • Enforcement and Prosecution
  • Revenue Collection
  • Maintaining Records
  • Policy Implementation

 

In essence, the Licensing Unit acts as the regulatory arm of the local authority, ensuring that all business operations within its area are conducted legally, safely, and in an orderly manner. 

4. Contracts Unit

 
The responsibilities of the Contracts Unit in Zambian local authorities generally fall under either the Legal Department or the Procurement Unit, and involve the drafting, management, and oversight of contractual agreements to ensure compliance with the law and secure value for money for the council. 
 
Specific responsibilities include:
  • Contract Preparation and Drafting
  • Contract Management
  • Property Management
  • Legal Compliance
  • Review and Negotiation
  • Advisory Services
  • Dispute Resolution

These functions help to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public resources within the local authority. 

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