VICTORIA FALLS

Wake up in the morning to the noisy sound of a generator – clearly another power cut.  But, no, the sound is actually the great Victoria falls just ten minutes walk away from my luxury hotel which also happens to be inside a National Park so apart from the monkeys we have gazelles, zebra and giraffes wandering about the grounds.  A guided tour around the park reveled more wildlife – hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and more but sadly no elephants or lions “they’ve crossed the river and gone to Botswana because it’s too wet here just now”.

The falls were astounding, lots of climbing about and getting wet but well worth it. Returning I flew to Lusaka instead of the six hour bus journey and amazingly found some acrylic paints at last before getting the bus home to Kabwe.

Preparing now for my relocation to Kasama on Monday. Eight hours on the bus but still quicker, and possibly more comfortable than the occasional train. Before that I am going with local friends to see Wonder Gorge and share a picnic about 50km east – pictures next time hopefully.

 

 

 

Office report

As anticipated, it has been difficult to make a meaningful contribution in the limited time available though personally I have learnt much about the rapidly evolving physical planning system in Zambia. I have enjoyed working with well qualified and enthusiastic colleagues and experiencing life in Kabwe town from the fading grandeur of Tuskers Hotel to home brew in the settlements.

At Mkushi town where a chief has agreed to the town being expanded by nearly ten times in area I was pleased to be involved in preparing a survey questionnaire for a sample of the new population, photographic records and attending meetings with the Chief.  I also made written comments on recent planning issues in the town and on a previous planning study by the District Council.

In the office I have been involved in research, discussions and reports on the new 2015 Planning Act and associated draft regulations including observations from a European perspective on housing density particularly in relation to the changing policies on settlements. 

With colleagues I have looked at the relationship of Planning with other Acts of Parliament in particular the Public Health act and its associated Building Regulations, and at areas of occasional conflict.  

I have had meetings with Planners in the Kabwe Municipal Council and sought to understand the political structure and outside influences as they affect the physical development of the town which is still endeavouring to recover from its previous mining heritage.

 

my suburb
 
a lake at the former mine
 
Town centre tree (again)