By 
State Counsel, Dr. Henry Mbushi, has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Chalala community against the Lusaka City Council (LCC), demanding the demolition of unplanned structures allegedly erected by Patriotic Front (PF) cadres on land designated for a children’s play park.
The disputed property, identified as Stand No. 29558 Chalala off Ring Road, was originally reserved for recreational purposes to provide children with a safe space for games and activities.
However, in 2019, PF cadres reportedly invaded the area and began constructing unauthorized buildings, depriving local children of the play park.
In the same year, the community alerted then-President Edgar Lungu through a formal letter.
Former Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe later visited the site, acknowledged the encroachment, and promised to address the issue.
Despite these assurances, no action was taken, with Mwanakatwe citing LCC’s inability to manage the cadre-led encroachments.
The community raised the issue again in 2023, escalating their complaint to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. On June 8, 2023, Mbushi formally wrote to the LCC, but the council allegedly failed to respond or take corrective action.
Residents claim the unauthorized structures have caused persistent noise disturbances and left children without a safe play area.
Mbushi argued that the cadres’ actions, coupled with LCC’s inaction, violate provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 283 of the Laws of Zambia.
He emphasized that the community’s common rights to the land were unlawfully infringed upon without the necessary consent from the Ministry of Local Government.
The lawsuit seeks:
The removal of all illegal structures from the site.
Restoration of the land to its original purpose as a children’s play park.
Compensation for loss of access and use of the land.
Coverage of legal costs and interest incurred due to LCC’s inaction.
The Chalala community hopes the court’s intervention will restore the park and hold the LCC accountable for its failure to protect public land.
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