By MUNAMBEZA MUWANEI –
LUANSHYA town on the Copperbelt has of late witnessed an increase in illegal structures which are being erected without authorisation by the local authority, it has been learnt.
The Sunday Times team that visited the area recently, found that a property-owner had built flats accommodating eight families on a plot which was meant for one house.
The unfinished flats which seem to be on demand in Luanshya due to shortage of accommodation have been pegged at K1,350 for a two bed room.
Luanshya has witnessed an increase in a number of unplanned structures which were being constructed in different parts of the mining town.
. Thole
But when contacted for a comment, Luanshya Municipal Council (LMC) public relations manager Gideon Thole said the structures along Zaone Street were built without approval from the local authority.
Mr Thole said the structures were not constructed according to the stipulated standards and that the local authority would soon approach the developer.
“We are yet to approach the developer to either upgrade the development to the stipulated standard or have the buildings demolished,” Mr Thole said.
He said the council in the past faced a challenge of having building inspectors who had the task of monitoring all the construction works of the entire district.
He said as a result of this challenge, a number of illegal settlements surfaced in the area.
