Unplanned developments worry minister
LOCAL Government Minister Vincent Mwale says Government is concerned with the mushrooming of unplanned land developments in peri-urban areas.
He said to address this, Government has come up with the Urban and Regional Planning Act that provides for the planning of traditional land through a consultative process between local authorities, traditional leaders and local communities.
Addressing the Zambia Institute of Planners at their annual general meeting at Fresh View Hotels in Siavonga, Mr Mwale called on local authorities to commence dis- cussions with the traditional leaders on planning of traditional land to ensure sustainable development.
He said he will soon be appointing some district councils that have met set out requirements, as planning authorities in order to decentralise planning and improve service delivery.
He said the implementation of the decentralisation policy has started and therefore planners will play a vital role to make it work for the benefit of the people.
Mr Mwale said Government was concerned at the loss of vital agricultural land to other land use and unplanned conversions of customary land to leasehold.
He said this has not only put pressure on existing services in urban areas but resulted in the rise in food prices as food now has to come from far places.
“In view of this, I implore planners to take keen interest in food production and how your plans promote access to land for agricultural production,” he said.
Mr Mwale said the ministry will restrict regulations in the change of use of land from agriculture to other uses to promote food production.
He also said Government has embarked on a project to decongest Lusaka through establishing a concise road network.
He said Government is also working on the L400 project that is aimed at making roads more passable.
Mr Mwale said that over the last few months, the ministry through the Local Government Service Commission has recruited over 80 planners and was hopeful that they will play their role in national development.
He said illegal land allocations has persisted and in some cases, planners have been involved in these illegal activities.
“In this regard, the values that you have subscribed to as professional planners must be upheld at all times, your duty is to protect and serve your communities. I therefore, encourage you to be ethical in your work at all times.”