The Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA), has called on relevant government wings to ensure public safety in the construction of roads and settlement areas.
ZIA President, Bwalya Masalo says part of the reasons why most of the parts of the country continue to experience extensive floods especially in Lusaka is that over the years, construction projects have been commissioned in areas that historically had been wetlands and water recharge zones.
‘’Councils need to develop long term Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) that inform regional plans in order to guide the spatial framework and development of the cities and towns,’’ He said.
Mr Masalo explained that these IDPs should provide sufficient guidance on urban development, zoning, road network expansion and provision of basic services such as water, sewer and electricity.
“The development of these plans should incorporate stakeholder consultation, as adherence will be key and will need to be followed strictly without compromise,’’ He said.
Mr Masalo also stated that councils and local planning authorities should move with the digital times and develop digital models of towns and cities that consider all aspects of spatial planning and development and are able to simulate effects or disruptions of any proposed developments on the road network, economy, environment and general development of the city as a whole.
He further added that the Local Authorities and the Government should consider plans to upgrade squatter settlements that meet the criteria. This should no longer be political rhetoric but an actual drive to uplift the lives and living standards of the local people.
‘’It goes without saying that there is immediate need to resolve the current flash floods challenge. While we commend recent efforts by the Government and various stakeholders to expand the current drainage system, it is important that we have a proper maintenance regime for the existing system,”Mr Masalo said.
He also noted that the public needs to be actively involved in the prevention of the dumping of waste in the drainage system.
‘’The Councils will need to ensure that systems set up to clean drains and collect waste operate flawlessly to avoid the waste clogging the drainage system,’’ Mr Masalo said.
He also said that the Zambia Institute of Architects stands ready to offer guidance and professional resources, as one of the leading players in the construction industry in the country.
This is contained in a statement made available to the media by ZIA President Bwalya Masalo.
Why do we always do things in reverse? We build first and then plan afterwards. We have local planning authorities and people submit plans for approval, why are we not questioning these departments and the people in charge? What’s the point of making hypethetical media statements when you can use your influence to guide the relevant authorities directly? We hear the same stories every year but nothing changes. The rain season is all about floods, chorela roads and bridges washing away. We expect these things to go away every year but the same people are in charge with no pressure on service delivery. Please expose the people responsible for these services so that we can scrutinize their skillset. We are tired on hearing the same things every year.
Day 2, no report from Kanganja nor Kampyongo.
Well said Bwalya Masabo. The problem in Zambia today is that quality and professionalism are sacrificed at the altar of nichekeleko. The councils have Town Planning departments with people who should do their job but they are compromised by poverty. Even building inspectors are paid to certify buildings that are not done to spec. We need a strong legal system that can sue these people in their personal capacity.
Well said Saint????
PF has sold all the water catchment areas…NRDC aquifer is gone…UNZA wetlands is gone for shopping mall, Kaliclic Dam is gone, ZAF twin palms gone, Munali gone…you can’t reason with corrupt cadres in charge.