12 August 2009
editorial
NEAT and well-planned infrastructure in a given environment makes it easy for local authorities and other planning institutions to guide developers to put up new structure.
Buildings should be structured in a manner that they don't affect flow of traffic, construction of sewer lines and movement of people from one point to the other.
The Government has therefore made a correct decision to start monitoring construction projects closely to ensure orderliness in the construction industry. Yesterday, Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti, urged stakeholders to engage the Government to ensure quality in infrastructure projects.
However, it is worth noting that some of the buildings, particularly in the capital Lusaka, do not conform to the required standards. Some buildings in other parts of the country are an eyesore and qualify to be demolished.
A few days ago, Solwezi municipal council announced that more than 50 people had confessed that they had put up structures illegally and asked for more time to regularise the buildings.
There are many structures in the country, whose plans have not been approved or let alone whose owners departed from the original plans as approved by the local authorities.
The Government, National Council for Construction (NCC) and other stakeholders should work together to ensure that only quality buildings are put up by developers.
After all, more investment in infrastructure is a catalyst for national development. It is pleasing though that NCC board chairman, Francis Ndilila, during the launch of the 2009 - 2015 strategic plan pledged his organisation's resolve to ensure that it regulated and monitored construction projects.
It is also important for the council, as agents in land matters, to embark on education campaigns and educate people on the requirements of land tenure and development.
Many people, out of ignorance have gone ahead to put up illegal structures. Therefore, illegal structures or those, whose owners have departed from approved plans, should be stopped before they reach advanced stage.
Local authorities and the Ministry of Lands should give all the required facilities for the building inspectors and other officials to carry out their duties.
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