A Case of Kabwe Municipal Council Zambia
FEATURED PAPER
By Silumbwe Moses Evance
Kabwe, Zambia
Abstract
Urban planning and land use management are critical components of sustainable development. However, the effectiveness of these processes often depends on the availability of accurate data and adequate technical infrastructure. This study examines the challenges posed by data limitations and inadequate technical infrastructure in urban planning and land use within Kabwe Municipal Council, Zambia. The research explores the extent to which these constraints hinder effective decision-making, policy implementation, and sustainable development in the municipality. Through literature review approach, the study identifies key gaps in data collection, storage, and accessibility, as well as the lack of modern technical tools and expertise. Findings reveal that these challenges significantly impede the municipalities’ capacity to manage urban growth, enforce land use regulations, and address emerging issues such as informal settlements and climate change adaption. The study concludes with recommendations for improving data systems, investing in technical infrastructure, and fostering capacity-building initiatives to enhance urban planning outcomes.
Introduction
Urban planning and land use management are fundamental to achieving sustainable urban development, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions such as Zambia. As cities expand and populations grow, effective urban planning ensures orderly development, equitable land distribution, and the preservation of environmental resources. Moreover, urban planning is pivotal in addressing critical challenges such as housing shortages, infrastructure development and environmental conservation (UN-Habitat, 2020). The success of these efforts, however, is largely contingent upon the availability of reliable data and robust technical infrastructure. These resources are essential for informed decision-making, policy implementation, and the efficient allocation of urban resources (World Bank, 2018).
In Zambia, urbanization has outpaced the capacity of municipal councils to manage growth effectively. Kabwe Municipal Council, located in the Central Province, exemplifies the challenges faces by local authorities in urban planning and land use management. The absence of comprehensive data systems and advanced technical tools has significantly hindered the council’s ability to manage urban expansion. For example, inadequate data collection mechanisms, poor data accessibility, and limited geospatial technologies have constrained the enforcement of land use policies and the effective response to informal settlements (Zambia Ministry of Local Government, 2021).
The lack of technical infrastructure further exacerbates these challenges. Without modern tools such as Geographic information system (GIS), satellite imagery, and data analytics software, municipal authorities struggle to map urban growth, plan infrastructure projects, and monitor land use compliance. These limitations have dire consequences, including the proliferation of informal settlements, inadequate service delivery, and environmental degradation (Chitonge &Mfune,2022). In Kabwe, such challenges are particularly pronounced, given the municipality’s limited financial and technical capacity to address these systemic issues.
This study investigates the data limitations and technical infrastructure challenges effecting urban planning and land use management in Kabwe Municipal Council. By examining these barriers, the research aims to identify key factors contributing to inefficiencies in urban governance. Furthermore, it seek to provide actionable recommendations to enhance data systems, invest in technical infrastructure, and strengthen institutional capacity. The findings will contribute to a broader understanding of the challenges faced by municipalities in Zambia and offer insights into potential solution for sustainable urban development.
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How to cite this paper: Evance, S. M. (2025). Examining Data Limitations and Technical Infrastructure Challenges in Urban Planning and Land Use: A Case of Kabwe Municipal Council Zambia; PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue III, March. Available online at http://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pmwj150-Mar2025-Silumbwe-data-and-infrastructure-challenges-in-yrban-planning-and-land-use.pdf
About the Author
Evance Moses Silumbwe, PhD
Kabwe, Zambia
Mr. Evance Moses Silumbwe, is presently employed as the Chief Building Inspector at the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development within the Kabwe Municipal Council, situated at Box 80424, Kabwe, Zambia. His professional research field includes the following research areas: Project Management, Water Distribution and Consumption, Spatial Planning, Administration & Management, Highways.
His academic background comprises: Recently accomplished a PhD in Administration & Management at the University of Zambia, spanning from 2021 to 2024. (Clear pass) A dissertation which included: Analysis of Management and Advministration of State Land by the Local Authority in the Midst of Illegal Settlement: A Case Study of Excision Land in Kabwe, Central Province, Zambia; Completion of a Teaching Methodology Postgraduate Diploma from Kwame Nkrumah University, Zambia, in 2019–2020; Attainment of a Master’s degree in Project Planning Management from the Information Communication University of Zambia during 2015–2017; Participation in International Diplomacy Studies at the Zambia Institute of Diplomacy Studies in 2015; Diploma in Building Construction from Copperbelt University, Zambia, acquired from 2008 to 2012; Bachelors in Road maintenance and management -from University of Africa from 2012 to 2015; Completion of a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from Cavendish University, Zambia, in 2008; Obtaining a Monitoring and Evaluation Certificate from the University of Zambia in 2006; Acquisition of a Project Planning Certificate from Technical Vocational Training College, Luanshya, Zambia, in 2005; Studied Business Administration at the University of Zambia in 2004; and Completion of Plumbing and Sheetmetal studies at the Lukashya Trades Training Institute in 1996–1997.
Furthermore, he is currently an active member of the Engineering Institute of Zambia. He can be contacted at silumbwemoses7@gmail.com
