LOCAL GOVT MINISTER LAUNCHES IDP
LOCAL Government and Rural Development Minister Gary Nkombo has directed councils to stick to the guidelines and framework contained in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) document.
Speaking during the launch of the IDP in the Copperbelt province in Ndola, Mr Nkombo said the guidelines will foster accelerated and sustainable development and address some challenges faced by the local government authorities.
ZANIS reports that Mr Nkambo directed all district councils to disseminate the document to other stakeholders.
‘’I wish to direct all the councils whose IDPs we are launching today, to embark on dissemination of the IDPs in their respective districts, starting with the ward development committees, CDF committees, members of parliament, Chiefs,and indeed the general public,’’ said Mr Nkombo.
‘’As you may all be aware, IDPs are a legal requirement and must be developed and implemented by all districts for harmonized and people centered development,’’ he said.
Mr. Nkombo explained that the urban and regional planning act no. 3 of 2015, under section 18 and subsection 3, outlines that an IDP “shall be the principal planning instrument to guide and inform all planning and development in the area of the local authority and all planning decisions of a planning authority”.
Mr. Nkombo added that Integrated Development Plans are formulated to rectify the ills of silo planning and provide a framework for integration in resources utilization and impact maximization of development interventions.
He stated that IDPs help government and its stakeholders to prudently manage limited resources while achieving set objectives.
Copperbelt Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Daniel Kamenga said planning was challenging in the past because there was no community involvement but the launch of the IDP which promotes an inclusive approach will foster inclusive growth through proper planning.
"The IDP will accelerate growth in rural districts such as Mpongwe, Lufwanyama and Masaiti among other peri-urban areas,’’ said Mr Kamenga.
Ndola City Council Mayor Jones Kalyati said the IDPs that have been launched are important master plans that will guide our operations and steer our thinking.
Mr. Kalyati added that IDPs are also benchmarks against which they will measure their performance as councils.
‘’On behalf of the councils, I pledge our commitment and hard work to ensure that the documents translate into tangible development for the benefit of our people,’’ said Mr Kalyati.
The Ndola Mayor further called upon all stakeholders, from both public and private sector to work together and ensure that the IDPs transform the economy.