GOVERNMNET has officially launched the district integrated development plans (IDPS) for Northern and Luapula Provinces.
Integrated development plans are a mandatory requirement for all districts under the urban and regional planning act no. 3 of 2015 and are developed and implemented in alignment with the national development plan.
IDPS are comprehensive frameworks that harmonize spatial and socio-economic planning, ensuring a holistic approach to development.
They integrate critical challenges such as infrastructure deficits, socio-economic inequalities, and environmental degradation to ensure that development is equitable, inclusive, rand impactful.
During the launch in Kasama district of Northern Province, Local Government and Rural Development Minister Hon. Gary Nkombo (MP) recognized that lasting development is achieved when communities are not only consulted but are also active participants in shaping their futures.
“This is particularly crucial now that IDPS have been prioritized as the tool to guide the implementation of all the components of the constituency development fund, the integrated development plans being launched today focus on critical areas that are pivotal to the holistic development of our provinces, he said”.
With regard to infrastructure development, Mr. Nkombo outlined strategic interventions for the development of vital infrastructure, which include roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities.
He added that the plans also emphasize on improving access to clean water and reliable sanitation systems, which are essential for public health and economic growth.
“Under economic empowerment, the IDPS priorities initiatives that will stimulate local economic growth, empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMES) and foster job creation, the plans aim to create sustainable livelihoods for all by focusing on sectors with high growth potential, said the minister”.
The Minister explained that the plans also aim to enhance access to social services with emphasis on education, healthcare, and housing. specific interventions include the expansion of school infrastructure, improving health service delivery, and addressing the housing needs of vulnerable populations.
Further Mr. Nkombo said that the plans recognize the growing threat of climate change, incorporate strategies for environmental conservation, sustainable land use, and the adoption of renewable energy technologies to safeguard the natural resources of our provinces.
“The plans also emphasize the importance of good governance, transparency, and accountability in achieving development goals, he added”.
Meanwhile Northern Province Minister Hon. Leonard Mbao (MP) expressed gratitude that priorities, needs, and aspirations of the local people have been prioritized.
He commended the new dawn government under the leadership of his Excellency the PRESIDENT of the Republic of Zambia Mr. HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, for recognizing planning as a prerequisite to any meaningful development.
“The fact that our story as a region is being told in these integrated development plans by our people, it is a testimony to the decentralization process that this government embraced from the time we assumed office in 2021, Said the Minister”.
And the Provincial Minister suggested that in future government should start putting up a mammoth task of coming up with a detailed plan where districts utilize their comparative advantage to raise enough resources that will make them less reliant on the equalization fund as the case is now.
Issued by: Sandra Mulenga
Northern Province Principal Public Relations Officer.