By Francis Chipalo
Democratic Union President Ackim Antony Njobvu has vowed to demolish unplanned settlements, including Lusaka’s Chibolya compound, if elected into office.
Njobvu argues that it’s unfair for people to live in areas lacking basic amenities while others enjoy well-planned neighborhoods.
Chibolya, a densely populated informal settlement, has faced challenges such as poor sanitation, inadequate water supply, and limited access to healthcare.
Previous governments have in the past attempted to address these issues through initiatives like the 1974 Lusaka Squatter Upgrading Project and declaring some areas as “improvement areas” for occupancy licenses
And Njobvu says his government’ plan aims to transform these areas into decent settlements, prioritizing residents’ needs and involving them in the development process.
“Chibolya’s situation is dire, and it’s high time something is done. Imagine having to worry about getting to a clinic in the middle of the night, just because the roads are impassable?”
Njobvu said proper planning would make a huge difference, not just for the residents, but for the country as a whole.
The DU leader’s plan aligns with research suggesting that empowering informal settlement residents and encouraging community participation is key to sustainable urban development.
Njobvu was speaking during an interview at Chongwe FM.
