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The government has launched Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) for Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces, urging local authorities to expedite their implementation.
Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Gary Nkombo, unveiled the plans during a meeting at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Friday.
According to the minister, the plans emphasised a balanced, decentralized planning approach to ensure no community was left behind.
“Planning is the foundation of desirable development outcomes. Without a well-thought-out roadmap, growth becomes chaotic, resources are misused, and the aspirations of our communities remain unmet,” Nkombo stated.
Nkombo highlighted that the IDPs address the unique challenges of each district, from improving rural access to resources and basic services to managing rapid urban population growth. The plans focus on enhancing infrastructure, improving social service delivery, and building resilience to climate change.
He described Lusaka as Zambia’s “heartbeat” and the Copperbelt as the “backbone of the industrial and mining sectors,” noting their critical roles in the nation’s socio-economic development.
“The successful implementation of these plans will not only address pressing challenges like urbanization, land use, and environmental degradation but will also unlock opportunities for economic growth and social transformation,” he said.
Nkombo urged local authorities to take ownership of the IDPs, describing them as blueprints for sustainable progress.
He stressed the need for urgent action to set a new standard for development across Zambia.
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