Govt Launches Strategic Development Plans for Eight Districts in Luapula Province
The Government of Zambia has unveiled Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) for eight districts in Luapula Province, marking a significant milestone in strategic planning to tackle various critical issues, including the devastating effects of climate change.
The launch took place at Sali Riverside Lodge in Mansa and was officiated by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honourable Gary Nkombo, MP.
The newly launched IDPs cover Chienge, Nchelenge, Kawambwa, Mwansabombwe, Mwense, Mansa, Samfya, and Chifunabuli, out of the province’s twelve districts. The remaining districts—Chembe, Milenge, Chipili, and Lunga—are yet to finalise their plans. This initiative brings the total number of districts with IDPs in Zambia to 84 out of 116.
IDPs serve as the principal strategic planning instruments for district development, offering a comprehensive framework that integrates socio-economic and spatial planning.
These plans guide all sectors in planning, budgeting, management, and decision-making, ensuring that resources are directed to areas of extreme need and eliminating inefficiencies and duplication.
During the launch, Hon. Nkombo emphasised the importance of IDPs in guiding local authorities to prudently allocate the enhanced Constituency Development Funds (CDF) to various sectors through community-driven projects identified in the IDPs.
He highlighted that this strategic approach is crucial as the country contends with the severe impacts of climate change.
“To this effect, mainstreaming of land use, climate change, and other cross-cutting development issues into district and provincial level planning is critical,” stated Hon. Nkombo.
He also directed local authorities to address the indiscriminate use of land and poor development practices by promoting orderly land management.
The Ministry, supported by the GiZ-Decentralisation for Development (GiZ-d4d) programme, initiated the preparation of IDPs for all districts in Luapula Province. This initiative aims to integrate climate change issues and the sustainable use of natural resources into district planning.
Hon. Nkombo praised GiZ-d4d for its financial and technical support, which has been instrumental in developing the IDPs, in line with the Urban and Regional Planning Act No. 3 of 2015.
Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Mr. Mighty Mumba, assured that the provincial administration would ensure the objectives of the launched IDPs are realised over the next five years.
Additionally, GiZ-d4d Regional Coordinator, Ms. Jennifer Kohel, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to providing further technical support to help Zambia implement various developmental programmes aimed at reducing inequalities in rural communities.
The launch of the IDPs is expected to bring coordinated development to Luapula Province, addressing spatial, environmental, and socio-economic issues in a structured and sustainable manner.
