Maravi

Revocation of LCC's land powers has caused anarchy, says Hakuyu

Revocation of LCC's land powers has caused anarchy, says Hakuyu
By Speedwell Mupuchi
Tuesday February 13, 2007 [02:00]

LUSAKA town clerk Timothy Hakuyu has said the revocation of the Lusaka City Council's agency to administer land has created imbalances and anarchy in the land delivery process. According to minutes of the full council meeting held on January 29, 2007, Hakuyu said during the revocation period a number of creations and allocations of plots had been done without approval from the Lusaka Planning Authority.

"Members may note that it is now seven months since the revocation took place. This has led to distortion in planning, where planning standards are not properly met. There is rampant illegal creation and allocation of land without regard to the law," read the report. "For instance, the creation of plots near the waterworks, the Tennis court in Libala and several pockets in Kamwala South and other parts of Lusaka. There is also tendency to allocate land reserved for community use such as open spaces, clinic sites, markets, car parks and school sites. The same have been offered and titles issued without consultation with the council."

Hakuyu said there was grave violation of the zoning regulations.

The Minister of Lands revoked the agency of the Lusaka City Council to recommend applications for allocation of land on June 15, 2006. Hakuyu said the move had not only made it difficult to control development but it has also undermined the authority of the Lusaka City Council to exercise its planning-related duties. "The revocation of agencyship which was meant to streamline the land allocation process vis a vis curbing corrupt practices and ensure transparency has failed to achieve the intended objectives. In fact it has created imbalances and anarchy in the land delivery process," read Hakuyu's report.

He said the revocation had also contributed to haphazard development within the city as it had accelerated illegal land allocation by unscrupulous individuals who believe the council was no longer responsible for planning and allocating land. He warned that leaving the scenario unchecked might degenerate into creation of squatter settlements and that the council would have to bear consequences in terms of increased costs of monitoring, enforcement and re-planning, regularisation as the case might be.

"In view of the foregoing, it is recommended; that as a matter of urgency, an adhoc committee comprising four councilors be constituted to officially call on the Minister of Local Government and Housing and later the Minister of Lands on the need to restore the agency to Lusaka City Council," read the report.

Labels: LAND, LOCAL GOVERNMENT

posted by MrK @ 9:56 PM