About The District

  • DISTRICT OVERVIEW

Livingstone is approximately 472 Kilometers from Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia laying at 25.50 degrees east of the Greenwich and 17.50 degrees south of the equator and has an elevation of 975 meters above mean sea level. Livingstone City is the tourist capital of Zambia, housing one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls. The largest economic activity for the population of Livingstone is tourism related activities. The city boasts various markets that cater to the residents’ basic needs, particularly in the middle and low-cost housing areas. Additionally, there is a presence of curio and handcraft markets, primarily serving the tourism sector and there is need to expand their market. The social facilities are well distributed in general. Nevertheless, further improvement is essential to ensure an acceptable level of service, requiring either additional staff or upgraded equipment.

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

 

The Livingstone District administration, like other districts, is headed by a District Commissioner and supported by District Government Heads of Departments. The Town Clerk is the Chief Executive Officer for the Local Authority whose political head is the Mayor of the City.

 

RAINFALL

 

The annual rainfall averages approximately 600mm of which two-thirds fall in the three months December, January and February. Average rainfall from November to March is 780mm. But it is 700mm for October and April, being the onset and departure months for rainfall. The rainfall pattern in the last (5) five years has been observed to be more erratic and unevenly distributed. It is drought prone area and over 80% of the average rainfall is likely to be recorded in two years out of three.

 

VEGETATED LAND (TOPOGRAPHY)

 

Livingstone is said to have been heavily forested some 130 years ago, especially in the immediate vicinity of the Victoria Falls. It is believed that these areas were mantled with vegetation as depicted on one of the early paintings by the first Europeans to visit the falls. The situation at present is different. The vegetation is scanty and of a secondary type. The open nature of vegetation in the area is without doubt a result of wide spread cutting down of trees to pave way for development in the District. Forest depletion around Livingstone City caused shifting of wildlife because they can no longer thrive in thin vegetation. Most of the animals have left and sought sanctuary in the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe. Generally, of all the areas around Livingstone is the North forest reserve that is moderately wooded. Predominant species of wood in the District are Mukwa, Mukusi and Mungongo.

 

RELIGION

 

Christianity is the main religion in the district. About 95% of the people are Christians, 2% Muslims, 2% practices other forms of religion and the rest have no evidence of any existing religion. Main Christian denominations are Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, New Apostolic, Apostolic Faith, Baptist, Jehovah’s Witness, Assemblies of God, United Church of Zambia and many others.

LANGUAGES

The indigenous language spoken in the district is Toka – Leya other languages include English Lozi, Tonga, Bemba, Nyanja, Luvale and Lunda

 

Edit

The Administration of the District and the City can be traced as far back as 1928 when the town had the first governor. This has now continued through institutions that have been set up both at Central and Local Government level.

Livingstone City Council like every other Council was established under the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019. Thus, its main functions stem from the said Act. The Act dictates that the Council should provide over sixty functions to the community within the District. These functions are coordinated and delivered through the various Departments of the Council.

Edit

“A viable tourism city, anchored on, environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, socio-economic opportunities, adequate efficient infrastructure by 2030”

Edit

“Enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors of the City of Livingstone through the provision of affordable socio-economic services, adequate and efficient infrastructure while promoting active stakeholder participation.”

Edit

Quality of service

Provide efficient, effective, reliable, equitable and sustainable services to the residents and tourist population of the City of Livingstone.

Good Governance

Promote transparency, accountability, responsibility, fairness, inclusivity and democracy in the process of decision making and execution of duties.

Motivation

Create an environment that values the contributions of our staff, stakeholders and the residents in the provision of services.

Value for Money

Provide the most cost-effective services and realize value for money for all stakeholders at all times.

Hospitality

Treasure the contribution of our visitors, partners, investors and other stakeholders in making the City of Livingstone hospitable.

Wisdom

Use the vast knowledge gained from life experiences of our City leaders to make the right choices and accept advice.

©2022. SMART Zambia Institute. All Rights Reserved.