The Zambian government announced plans this week to demolish illegal shantytowns in Lusaka and other towns, drawing criticism that the campaign may worsen the plight of Zambia's urban poor. According to the Associated Press, the government argues that there is a growing problem of unlawful land allocation and development throughout Zambia. It said it intends to destroy all illegal and unplanned homes and shops, starting in Lusaka where many impoverished informal settlements infringe on roads, railways, power lines and government-owned land. «We will use whatever means necessary to enforce and uphold the law,» government spokesman Vernon Mwaanga said Wednesday, according to the state-owned Times of Zambia. -- SPA
