For nearly a decade, heavy-duty trucks have continued to park illegally along major roads in Mongu, Western Province, despite signs clearly prohibiting the practice.
But an investigation by Oblate Radio Liseli has uncovered a troubling contradiction: while Mongu Municipal Council acknowledges that the roadside parking is prohibited, the Zambia Police Service has confirmed entering into an agreement with a private company to provide security for the trucks.
The arrangement raises important questions. Why are police providing security for trucks parked in prohibited areas? Who is paying for this service, and how much? And why has the illegal parking continued despite years of complaints from residents?
The investigation also reveals damage to a public road, obstruction of businesses, poor sanitation and growing concerns about the safety of women and girls living near the informal truck parking areas.
Mongu Municipal Council says it cannot enforce the parking restrictions until its designated truck park is operational. But residents are questioning why a problem that has persisted under two government administrations remains unresolved.
In this report, Situmbeko Skuka of Oblate Radio Liseli in Mongu follows the money, examines the enforcement failures and asks who is being held accountable for the continued illegal parking of heavy-duty trucks in Mongu.
This article was produced by MakanDay’s Local Reporting Network. Subscribe through our website and follow our Facebook page to receive stories like this one as soon as they are published.
Discover more from MAKANDAY
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
