Demolish illegal structures, councils told

May 29, 2012 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: web editor

Empty makeshift stands at the ‘Donchi Kubeba’ market in Lusaka's Kamwala area. - Pictures by MUNIDE NYIRENDA.

By ALEX NJOVU
MINISTER of Local Government and Housing Nkandu Luo has directed councils countrywide to demolish all illegal structures.
Professor Luo has also warned councils against frustrating efforts by water utility companies to provide quality water and sanitation services.
The minister was speaking in Kitwe yesterday during the launch of the Nkana Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) US$63 million water supply and sanitation project.
The project is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in partnership with Government.
“I do not take pleasure in being scolded by President Sata over land issues in councils. I would like to warn that councillors will be imprisoned if they are found illegally allocating land to people,” Prof Luo said.
She urged councils in all parts of the country to be bold and demolish illegal structures.
Prof Luo said Government is committed to ensuring that Zambians have access to clean water and sanitation services, in line with its campaign promises.
“I am urging councils countrywide to go out and ensure that structures that were built illegally are brought down. Do not say Government is cruel, procedure must be followed in the allocation of plots.
“I am told that tomorrow (today) a group of people will be demonstrating against the council over some land issues…. I will be here and I want to face the same people. That kind of arrogance in Zambia cannot be tolerated,” Prof Luo said.
She warned that the law will not spare individuals found illegally allocating land.
The launch of the US$63 million water project will help the residents of Kitwe, Chambishi and Kalulushi to access clean water and sanitation services.
She called on mining companies to support Government in providing quality water and sanitation services. Prof Luo also urged people to desist from vandalising water infrastructure.
She said it is unfortunate that some people are still using pit latrines and assured that Government is determined to address the problem.
Prof Luo also urged councils to work towards enforcing the Public Health Act.
“It would appear that councils have forgotten that they have a responsibility to implement the Public Health Act. Food handlers must be screened to ensure that they are clean,” she said.
And NWSC managing director Diana Makwaba commended Government for securing a loan from AfDB to help address the challenges people face in accessing clean water.
“This support will go a long way in increasing access to safe and clean drinking water and improved sanitation to the beneficiaries in Kitwe, Kalulushi and Chambishi,” Mrs Makwaba said.
AfDB country representative Freddie Kwesiga said the bank will continue to work with Government in the implementation of viable projects for the benefit of the people.