THE need for decent housing cannot be overemphasised. It is nauseating that after so many years of political independence, some people in Zambian cities continue to live in abhorrent conditions, even so close to the central business district.
We cannot agree more with Local Government and Housing Minister Steven Kampyongo’s sentiments when he stressed the need to change the approach to dealing with shanty townships, or slums as they are called.
Mr Kampyongo has brought good news to this nation with the announcement of the forthcoming Government policy to upgrade slums instead of buying off the areas.
He said the solution to slums did not lie in buying off the people by powerful commercial entities but in constructing new and decent accommodation which would also give the people an opportunity to afford better living conditions.
The minister emphasises that the Government is concerned about the continued deplorable conditions in which the people have been living for a very long time and decided to formulate a policy which will pave the way for the development of modern infrastructure which will absorb the people in those areas.
Some of the areas cited as examples are Misisi and Chibolya townships which, despite being so close to the capital’s central business district, have not seen any improvement for so many years.
This policy is a clear indication of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government’s unflinching dedication to facilitate good living conditions for all Zambians.
On the management of land, Mr Kampyongo criticised the councils for failing to manage the land allocation exercise.
We agree with him on his sad observation on the councils’ blatant failure to also plan for the areas which led to total confusion.
Corruption has undoubtedly complicated the land division process in the country and this has significantly polluted the atmosphere and bred total resentment against the local authorities by the public.
What is even more worrisome is the legacy being left by those corrupt and selfish council officials because the poor land allocation and management system will hurt the future generations. It is a very bad seed which will leave bitter fruits for our future generations.
It is, therefore, imperative that all those involved in this crucial exercise should have the interests and welfare of our children in mind so that the seeds we plant today will bear good fruits for our children to live happily.