Former Mayors, Council Chairpersons Sue Government for K153 Million in Unpaid Benefits
A group of 25 former elected local authority leaders has sued the Zambian Government, demanding more than K153 million in alleged unpaid salaries, allowances and benefits accrued during their tenure in office.
The former civic leaders, led by Duncan Kaonga, have filed an action in the High Court of Zambia in Lusaka against the Attorney General, who is cited as the representative of the Government.
According to the court documents, the plaintiffs were elected as Mayors and Council Chairpersons during the 11 August 2021 General Elections under Article 154 of the Constitution and contend that Government failed to implement approved salary adjustments and employment benefits.
The former local authority leaders argue that several Ministry of Local Government circulars issued between 2016 and 2021 provided for improved conditions of service, but these were never fully honoured.
Among the benefits they claim were approved but not implemented are leave entitlement of 3.5 days per month, inclusion in the Public Service Funeral Scheme, and the right to purchase official motor vehicles under the same terms extended to other eligible public office holders.
The plaintiffs are seeking K153,088,383.91 in salary arrears, broken down as follows:
– K70,634,760.57 for the period between September 2021 and December 2023.
– K82,453,623.34 for the period between January 2024 and March 2026.
The claims cover former office holders from Town, Municipal and City Councils across the country.
The former civic leaders are asking the High Court to order Government to pay the outstanding salaries and benefits, together with any other relief the court may deem appropriate.
The matter is now before the High Court for determination.
Former Mayors Sue Government for K153 Million in Unpaid Benefits
