Zambia’s unplanned urbanisation

By Charles Mafa

As I recently found myself retracing my educational journey, returning to the place where it all began, Chongwe Secondary School, a myriad of emotions and memories overwhelmed me. I was there to drop off my child, who was embarking on his own secondary school adventure on the very grounds where my career took its first steps. However, what struck me most wasn’t just the school itself, but the disheartening state of affairs in the vicinity.

Chongwe Secondary School, though once nestled amidst pristine forests not far from Chongwe town, now stands in stark contrast to its former natural surroundings. Those lush forests that once enveloped the school have been replaced by relentless expanses of concrete and unplanned housing settlements. It is a disheartening sight, and regrettably, it is a sight that has become synonymous with the broader landscape of Zambia.

Unplanned and uncontrolled settlements have become the defining characteristic of Zambia’s urbanisation landscape. The mess I witnessed in Chongwe is not merely a localized issue; it is a national disaster that has gripped our entire nation. This problem isn’t unique to Chongwe. One can encounter it in various forms across the country, from the sprawling settlements in Mongu, Western Province, to the haphazard developments in Solwezi, Northwestern Province, and the unplanned urban sprawl in Chipata, Eastern Province. In essence, it is a challenge that transcends geographical boundaries and affects communities everywhere.

What has led to this alarming state of affairs? It’s a question that demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts. It appears that people are building wherever they can, seemingly unchecked, without adherence to any established standards or the slightest efforts by local councils to regulate and control the situation. Even lands traditionally owned by communities have not been spared from this unchecked urbanisation. As houses replace fields, some individuals find themselves without a means to farm, having sold their land to those with the means to develop it.

This uncontrolled urbanisation poses numerous threats to our nation’s well-being. It strains our already overburdened infrastructure, leading to issues such as inadequate sanitation, congestion, and a lack of essential services. Moreover, it exacerbates environmental concerns, as the destruction of forests and natural habitats takes a toll on our ecosystem.

To combat this growing crisis, we must recognise that it’s not just a matter of individual choices but a systemic issue that requires coordinated action. Local authorities, government agencies, and communities must come together to formulate and enforce land-use plans and zoning regulations that prioritise sustainable development. Public awareness campaigns can help educate people about the long-term consequences of unplanned urbanisation and the importance of preserving our natural landscapes.

Chongwe Secondary School, once surrounded by pristine forests, serves as a poignant reminder of what we stand to lose if we allow unplanned urbanisation to continue unchecked. It’s time for us, as a nation, to address this issue head-on, not just for the sake of our present, but for the legacy we leave for future generations. Our landscapes, our communities, and our heritage depend on it.