ZIP calls for increased budgetary allocations to planning departments

The Zambia Institute of Planners (ZIP) has called for increased budgetary allocations to planning departments across all local authorities in the country in the context of decentralization.

Speaking during the 4th national planning conference in Lusaka, ZIP president Cooper Chilomba notes that additional resources will enable planners to engage with citizens directly on real issues faced in the communities.

Mr. Chilomba says increased budgetary allocation will also help local authorities develop plans that promote responsible resource usage.

He has also implored planners in the country to pay more attention to what communities want and help guide policy makers to make laws and policies that put the people first regardless of their education or status in society.

And officiating at the event, local government minister Charles Banda, in a speech read on his behalf by Lusaka mayor Miles Sampa implored planners to commit themselves to urban productivity in order to help the country make impressive economic progress.

He says government is supporting planners in the best ways possible as can be seen through the launch of the integrated development guidelines, preparation of the urbanization policy and the appointment of the planning tribunals.

Meanwhile Mr. Sampa says about 60 percent of settlements in the city are poorly planned with no proper access roads and adequate space for houses.