Government says it is working tirelessly in ensuring that by the end of the year,  public services will be fully devolved to local authorities country-wide.

Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Paul Thole says government has already announced its intention to increase the number of devolved functions in local authorities to 13.

Mr. Thole emphasised that this will soon become a reality in the region and the country as a whole adding that the move will spur socio-economic development across the country.

Speaking when he addressed the third quarter Provincial Development Coordinating Committee (PDDCC) meeting in Chipata, the Permanent Secretary said  Agricultural services, Livestock services, Fisheries services as well as Community Development and Social Services at district level will devolve to local authorities.

The devolution of the four public services to the local authorities in the region would bring the number of devolved functions to thirteen.

‘’ Government has continued to devolve public services to local authorities. These four departments will, in the 2025 national budget, receive their funds through their respective local authorities,’’ Mr Thole said.

The Permanent Secretary, who is also Vice Chairperson of the PDCC, observed that government was taking decision-making closer to the people to enhance their participation in local development.

Mr Thole also appreciated challenges that government departments faced to execute their duties due to not receiving enough operational funds.

He encouraged departments to strive hard and achieve something with the little that they received.