LUSAKA is set for a major upgrade as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) nears completion of a Comprehensive Regional Development Masterplan (RDP) for the Greater Lusaka City.
This plan will address challenges in the Zambian capital, including unplanned settlements, inadequate housing, and underdeveloped infrastructure.
The initiative comes in response to Lusaka’s rapid population growth and sprawl into surrounding districts like Chibombo, Chilanga, Chongwe, and Kafue.
JICA is collaborating with the Zambian government to create a sustainable development plan that encompasses both the city and its neighboring areas.
The project will identify land for resettlement within and around Lusaka to improve living conditions and facilitate the provision of essential services like proper roads and drainage systems.
JICA-Zambia office senior representative, Keita Izumi, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Local Government and rural development Gary Nkombo, in Lusaka in order to submit a report on the undertaking.
According to a statement issued by Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development public relations officer, Chila Namaiko, Nkombo commended Japan for its unwavering support to enhance sustainable development, and improvement of living conditions for the Lusaka.
Nkombo reaffirmed Government’s commitment to enforcing urban planning regulations to ensure sustainable development.
He stated that one of the interventions in upgrading unplanned human settlements to proper suburbs would involve identifying land within, and on the outskirts of the city for possible human resettlement as part of the upgrading process.
“We are happy with your progress towards actualisation of this RDP master plan, and we are looking forward to the implementation of this project” Nkombo stated.
Meanwhile, Izumi noted that JICA is supporting Zambia in developing a plan to guide the Lusaka City’s urban development, and embrace the surrounding Districts to ensure sustainability.
Izumi also requested the Zambian Government to submit to JICA all priority areas for consideration for implementation once the RDP Master plan commences by 2025,
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba March 25, 2024
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