Mpika Town Council has demolished eleven illegal structures along the Great North Road near the Total filling station for contravening planning regulations. ‎The demolition exercise was conducted by the Council’s Planning Department and Council Police between 23:00 hours on…

Mpika Town Council has demolished eleven illegal structures along the Great North Road near the Total filling station for contravening planning regulations.

‎The demolition exercise was conducted by the Council’s Planning Department and Council Police between 23:00 hours on October 24 and 01:00 hours on October 25, 2026.

The structures included clothing stalls, restaurants, alcohol outlets and other establishments erected without the requisite development approvals.

‎Mpika Town Council Public Relations Officer Mpundu Mushota says the owners of the affected properties had earlier been engaged and sensitised on the dangers of erecting structures in restricted areas.

Mr Mushota says the owners were also advised to halt construction and comply with planning regulations but disregarded the guidance, prompting the Council to demolish the structures.

‎He has urged members of the public to stop circulating what he describes as false information and accusing Council Chairperson Chola Chilumba of being responsible for the demolition exercise.

‎Mr Mushota said the exercise has attracted criticism on social media, with many people condemning the demolitions.

‎He has clarified that the Council operates through an established administrative hierarchy, with decisions and enforcement activities undertaken through the relevant departments and laid-down procedures.

‎Mr Mushota has further urged members of the public to obtain the necessary development approvals before commencing construction works and to avoid encroaching on road reserves, utility corridors and other protected areas.

‎He said the Council remains committed to enforcing the Regional and Urban Planning Act No. 3 of 2015 to ensure that developments within the district comply with approved planning standards and public safety requirements.