By Sandra Chuungu.
The Role of social media in Government Transparency 
Effective utilization of social media enables governments to foster transparency, interact with the public, promote ownership of policies and services, and ultimately build trust.
Local governments can leverage platforms to disseminate vital information on upcoming events, legislation, and public works projects.
Analysis of Local Authorities’ Social Media Usage
As The Editor Zambia, we examined local authorities’ online presence, focusing on their Facebook pages. Our findings:
- Lusaka City Council: 38,000 likes and 51,000 followers, with the most recent CDF post appearing last week. However, most posts lacked national relevance.
- Chongwe Municipal Council: 10,000 followers and 51 following. This council consistently shares CDF impacts, surpassing others.
- Kafue Town Council: 11,000 followers and 131 following. Notably, most posts focus on CDF and related projects.
Recommendations
We urge local authorities in the northern region, particularly newly appointed Public Relations Officers (PROs), to prioritize showcasing CDF impacts and disbursement details. Enhanced online transparency will foster public trust and accountability.
