Zambia president orders end to plot allocation without infrastructure
President Hichilema directs housing minister to address 1.5 million deficit and prevent unplanned settlements.
President Hakainde Hichilema has ordered Housing Minister Christopher Kalila to stop local authorities from allocating plots without basic infrastructure. The president wants lasting solutions to unplanned settlements and strengthened urban planning standards. He also tasked Transport and Logistics Minister Charles Milupi with accelerating goods movement along economic corridors.
Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony, President Hichilema stressed that land for housing must have plans and essential services like roads. He urged Dr. Kalila to tackle Zambia's 1.5 million housing deficit while ensuring councils adhere to planning rules. The president warned that inadequate services could lead to public health issues like cholera.
The president also called for more multi-storey buildings to maximize land use and for affordable housing initiatives with effective mortgage systems. He emphasized clearing blocked roads for emergency vehicles. For the transport sector, Mr. Hichilema wants road and railway infrastructure to support faster goods transportation, identifying economic corridors as key development drivers.
Why it mattersPresident Hichilema's directive impacts citizens seeking housing by demanding that plots come with essential services, aiming to prevent the growth of unplanned settlements and associated health risks.