The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has issued an immediate order to the owners of illegally constructed shops along Katima Mulilo Road, near the Chimwansa area, to demolish the structures.
The directive follows a thorough investigation by council officers, prompted by reports on social media platforms, which revealed that unknown individuals were building shops in undesignated areas without the necessary approvals from the local authority.
Upon verification, council officers confirmed that the illegal construction was indeed underway, and as a result, seized building materials, including cement and tools, to halt the process.
Council Assistant Public Relations Manager Bulumba Nyambe has told Power FM News that the owners have since been instructed to initiate demolition proceedings immediately, failing which the council will take necessary action to enforce the order.
He emphasized the importance of engaging with the council before commencing any building projects to avoid constructing in non-permitted areas.
He has further urged members of the public to cooperate with the local authority in maintaining a safe and orderly city.