Masebo blames councils for unplanned buildings

Masebo blames councils for unplanned buildings
By Mutale Kapekele in Livingstone
Saturday September 01, 2007 [04:00]

Local government minister Sylvia Masebo has said councils are to blame for the substandard and unplanned buildings in cities. Speaking when she officiated at the opening of the Secretarial Peak Performance workshop in Livingstone, Masebo said some councils did nothing to stop people from building in unplanned areas.

"Sometimes councils create problems. They see unplanned buildings coming up and just sit back and watch," she said. "That smells of corruption. It means that someone somewhere was given something to give a go ahead to the building."

Masebo said her condemning illegal structures and the 'Make Zambia Clean' campaign had made her unpopular.

"When we demolish those structures, people start asking if I have a heart or children," she said. "I have become the most unpopular minister but I don't mind."

Asked if it was possible to close Soweto market for the purpose of cleaning it, Masebo said if she did that people would call for her resignation.

"It is difficult to move people. If I say close Soweto, people will go to State House to have me fired," she said. "But that is a good idea and I will think about it. Maybe we can close Soweto for a few days."

Earlier, Masebo said secretaries should cultivate qualities that instil confidence and warm environments in their organisations as they were the first contacts with clients.

She challenged the secretaries to look their best at all times and to ensure that their workplaces and homes were clean.

"Let us begin with the home. We should provide a clean environment for our children," she said. "Money or lack of it should not be an issue because one can look smart with just minimum effort."

Masebo also praised the Southern African Management Institute (SAMI) for including the 'Make Zambia Clean and Healthy' campaign in their courses.

"This is encouraging as it shows that SAMI supports government policies that are intended to create a better Zambia for all of us," she said.

And SAMI representative Professor Muyunda Mwanalushi said Zambians required discipline to clean the nation and to turn the economy around. He said Zambia should learn from the Japanese who had adopted the ancient culture of upholding cleanliness which he said helped people to be more productive.

"A clean and healthy environment helps you to think well," Prof Mwanalushi said. "Japan is an economical giant today because of their clean environment." Prof Mwanalushi also presented 100 blankets to Masebo.