The Government has cautioned local authorities in the country against permitting an unnecessary change of land use from play parks or open spaces to any other use.
Minister of Local Government, Charles Banda says his office has continued to receive applications from people intending to change land use designated for play parks and recreation facilities for personal gains, despite the 2018 circular on change of land use for parks or open spaces still in effect.
Dr Banda was speaking in Lusaka today, when he visited some selected parks and open spaces located in different parts of the city where he discovered that houses and other buildings have been erected on the land meant for recreation.
Dr Banda lamented that in spite of the important role that these facilities play in creating a conducive urban environment, all the parks and open spaces in the country are either in bad state or some people have changed the use of the land to other activities.
The Minister has since directed the Lusaka Local Authority to demolish such structures, adding that they were built without following the right procedures of land acquisition.
“I would like to state that we will not tolerate and allow the change of land use that is meant for play parks and open spaces for other personal gains such as residential and commercial by unruly individuals, I also want to note that the 2018 circular on change of land use for parks or open spaces is not permitted,” he said.
Dr Banda also explained that all the councils or planning authorities were advised not to allow or facilitate the development of open spaces and parks for any other purpose than recreation.
He further warned officers from Local Authorities countrywide to desist from such activities, adding that action will be taken against any council official who will be found wanting.
“I, therefore, wish to strongly reiterate the content of that circular and further warn that appropriate sanctions will be meted against any officer or local authority found wanting, ”he noted.
And Sports In- Action, an Organisation running one of the play parks in Kabwata township has pledged to continue supplementing government efforts in building a generation of responsible young people through the use of recreation facilities.
Sport in Action Executive Director Frank Muchindu noted that this is because lack of proper recreation facilities is one of the major causes of delinquent behaviour among the youths.
“Minister as you know very well that Kabwata is surrounded by bars, therefore, the temptation by young people to engage in illicit activities is very high, hence putting up safe spaces like this play is very important in creating a Zambia of responsible people,” said Mr. Muchindu.
Where were you when they started digging foundation?
I totally concur with the minister here. This is progressive.
But why do these issues only come to the fore, after the fact? Are the laws lax, or is it a case of too many cooks in the kitchen???
Play areas and open land with trees and greenery, are both important to any housing developments. You cannot have concrete everywhere.
How about forest 27?
Too late ba Chilolo too late. Just visit Ndola and see what has happened to all the playparks and open spaces you are talking about. In the last 20 years these spaces have dissappeared. And corruptly because whoever gave out Ndola’s playgrounds did not seek permission from the ministry. They did it to pocket the money and now they are busy enjoying it. Please visit Ndola city centre, Kansenshi, Hillcrest, Northrise all the open spaces there have been devoured.
I totally agree with Banda’s action on this score, although my support is rather exceptional, as he is in the habit of taking what generally amount to personal decisions, such as firing mayors, and others, irrationally.
I agree with this. When squatters illegally occupied and built illegal structures on my farm land, it was me who had to incur legal fees to get rid of the crooks
Let pray PF cadres move back to to the farm
I think that the Njani Commuter was supposed to go up to the Lusaka South Multi-facility Economic Zone – but in Chilenje open space reaches a dead end.
I think that the Njanji Commuter was supposed to go up to the Lusaka South Multi-facility Economic Zone – but in Chilenje open space reaches a dead end.
Start with forest reserve 7
As we speak… one of your cadres is digging a foundation next to the railway line near Tokyo Market in Kamwala. A land that was previously not available due to its proximity to the rail track.
So yah…. Empty vessels make the most noise
Corrupt officers in the councils and PF cadres have destroyed Zambia completely for personal gain.
We have destroyed things that we inherited, our children do not have a future. Unless God intervenes.
I totally agree with Mr. Banda, I hope he takes action.
Corrupt officers in the councils and PF cadres have destroyed Zambia completely for personal gain.
We have destroyed things that we inherited, our children do not have a future. Unless God intervenes.
Trouble with Zambian administrations is this: Once a troublemaking member falls foul of the party in power, their actions are then addressed with the letter of the law. As soon as a new government is ushered in with the same troublemakers, new troubles are created. It is a vicious cycle that is exactly like Tom and Jerry. Ine ninaleka kufakako nzelu.
Which play parks? Better late than never. It’s a huge task cleaning up our councils. It will take time, but H.minister hand over the notes to who ever is going to take up the ministry next year. Hope that the work goes on after PF is out.
Good move Honorable Minster