No plan, no plot

• HH directs minister to ensure councils stop allocating plots without basic infrastructure

CHOMBA MUSIKA

Lusaka

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has directed Minister of Housing Christopher Kalila to find lasting solutions to unplanned settlements and ensure local authorities stop allocating plots without basic infrastructure.

The President has also tasked Minister of Transport and Logistics Charles Milupi with accelerating the movement of goods and services along economic corridors to stimulate investment, trade and economic growth under the Grow Zambia Agenda.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony for the two ministers yesterday, Mr Hichilema said the country needs to strengthen urban planning standards and ensure that land designated for housing is supported by essential infrastructure.

“We have to find a solution to unplanned housing. We cannot continue allowing councils to allocate plots without proper planning. Every piece of land designated for housing must have a plan, including basic infrastructure. We want to see proper standards upheld,” he said.

Mr Hichilema urged Dr Kalila, who is Lukulu East Member of Parliament, to work towards addressing the country’s estimated 1.5 million housing deficit while ensuring that local authorities adhere to proper planning requirements.

He said plots advertised for residential development should have basic services, including roads, to prevent the expansion of unplanned settlements, which could create public health challenges such as cholera.

“There must be standards,” the President said.

He further called for increased construction of multi storey buildings to maximise land use while maintaining appropriate standards for housing intended for teachers, nurses and other public service workers.

Mr Hichilema said Government needs to promote affordable housing and ensure that mortgage systems function effectively to enable more citizens to own homes. “Build houses at a low cost, mortgage system must work,” he said.

The President also called for blocked roads to be cleared to allow ambulances and other emergency vehicles to move freely, emphasising the importance of proper planning in protecting lives and improving access to essential services.

Turning to the transport sector, Mr Hichilema urged Mr Milupi to ensure that road and railway infrastructure supports faster and safer transportation of goods, describing economic corridors as important drivers of investment and development. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home