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Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Gary Nkombo, has with immediate effect suspended Chongwe Municipal Council as a planning authority.
The decision has been made pursuant to Section 12 Subsection 2 and 3 of the Urban and Regional Planning Act No.3 of 2015, which empowers the Minister to suspend a local planning authority’s appointment if it fails to perform its functions under the Act.
According to a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday by Ministry Permanent Secretary in charge of Technical Services, Nicholas Phiri, the suspension follows a recommendation from the Lusaka Provincial Planning Authority.
Nkombo said Chongwe Municpal Council had been cited for failure to fulfill its planning obligations by the Lusaka Provincial Planning Authority.
“As a result, the Provincial Planning Authority will assume the functions of the local planning authority, ensuring continuity in planning and development initiatives,” he said.
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Nkombo hinted that all planning permission for development, Sub-division and Change of land use in Chongwe would be provided by the Lusaka Province Planning Authority.
He further cautioned all Planning Authorities across the country to take precautionary measures to ensure compliance with the required obligations.
“The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is committed to upholding the principles of effective planning and governance,” Nkombo assured.
He said the suspension serves as a measure to address the shortcomings in Chongwe Municipal Council’s planning functions and ensure that development in the area aligns with urban and regional planning objectives.
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