THE Water Resource Management Authority (WARMA) has ordered a private developer of Kitwe to pay K150,000 for constructing flats less than 50 metres from the Kitwe stream in Riverside. The developer is said to have failed to adhere to the authority’s earlier directive of halting the works. WARMA officials and council workers on Thursday toured the flats and discovered that the developer had continued building despite being directed to stop.

The officials then handed a letter of fine to a supervisor who was found at the site. WARMA acting director general Kennedy Nyundu said the authority has decided to serve a notice of a fine to the developer because he contravened an earlier directive to stop construction. Mr Nyundu said constructing of structures near rivers and streams compromises the levels of water thus negatively impacting the environment. He urged Joshua Banda, the owner of the flats, to pay the fine within 21 days or risk being prosecuted.

“The money must be paid within 21 days and if it is not paid, the owner of these flats will be prosecuted in the courts of law,” Mr Nyundu said. He said if Mr Banda pays the amount within the stipulated period, he will be engaged and directed on how he can proceed with the constructions. Mr Nyundu said encroachment of water resources is also contributing to climate change the country is experiencing.

He also called for strengthened collaboration between the authority and the councils to curb the high levels of encroachment on the water resources in the country. Mr Nyundu urged the council to demolish structures built within 50 metres of the water resources to help protect the environment. WARMA regulations and compliance manager Alexander Chomba challenged the council to scrutinise land before it is allocated to people. Mr Chomba said this will prevent people from constructing on land which is near water sources.

Kitwe town clerk Mbulo Seke said there is a high demand for land in the city which is making people force themselves on sites near the river bank. Kitwe City Council (KCC) director of planning Mapopa Nyirenda said most of the streams in the city have been affected by encroachment with the Mindolo stream being the most affected. Mr Nyirenda said the council will enhance sensitisation to curb the encroachment. The officials also toured Freedom Park, where they found heaps of sand and stones for construction. Mr Nyundu advised the council to write to the people behind the activit