LUSAKA: Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary (Administration) Dr.Gabriel Pollen has expressed confidence that implementation of the Lusaka Integrated Development Plan (2024-2034) and the Greater Lusaka Regional Plan (2025-2045), will effectively guide sustainable urban development for Lusaka region.
The Lusaka IDP outlines strategies for enhancing infrastructure development that include road networks, water systems, sanitation, affordable housing and secure lab tenure, thereby strengthening community participation, supporting economic sectors like tourism, manufacturing as well as managing waste.
On the other hand, the Greater Regional Development Plan considers Lusaka’s role as a regional hub-addressing cross border trade, transport corridors and regional cooperation for sustainable development.
Dr. Pollen stressed that the Ministry recognizes that urbanization in Lusaka continues to accelerate, creating both opportunities and pressures on infrastructure, land use, public services and environmental systems, hence the implementation of the IDP plays a critical role in managing growth in Lusaka through planned settlements.
He stated that sustainable urbanization is important because it also manages growth through improved infrastructure and service delivery as well as promoting industralisation and commerce to crete jobs and boost local economies.
“Let me emphasize that together we can transform Lusaka into into a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable City that benefits all its residents and contributes to National development,” Dr. Pollen stated.
The Permanent Secretary was speaking today when he officiated at the orientation meeting on the Lusaka IDP (2024-2034) and the Greater Lusaka Regional Plan (2025-2045) at Lusaka City Council.
Dr. Pollen has since tasked the Lusaka City Council to effectively utilize the IDP as a tool to guide planning and decision making by integrating sector plans and strategies in order to continue achieving a unified vision for the Greater Lusaka.
He emphasized that IDPs are essential in coordinating development activities across different sectors, and that in the long run the documents provides a long-term vision for Lusaka’s spatial development.
Japan International Cooperation Agency Senior representative in Zambia, Mr. Keita Izumi, commended the Government for its unwavering support during the IDP and the Greater Lusaka Regional Plan formulation.