WOODLANDS RESIDENTS PETITION PRESIDENT OVER PROPOSED MT. MERU FILLING STATION

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Posted by admin on November 8, 2025 at 1:24 AM

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A group of concerned Woodland’s residents has penned an open letter to President Hakainde Hichilema, urging him to intervene in the proposed development of a Mt. Meru Petroleum filling station at the junction of Nalikwanda and Mosi-oa-Tunya Roads in Lusaka.

The residents, citing safety, transparency, and urban planning violations, submitted a formal objection to the City of Lusaka Planning Authority on 27 October 2025, following a public notice published  on 25 October. They argue that the development contradicts both local and international planning standards, which recommend a minimum 500–1000 meter spacing between fuel stations in dense residential or mixed-use areas.

Proximity to Existing Stations: The proposed site lies within 200 meters of two other fuel stations, raising concerns about redundancy and safety.

Transparency Issues: Residents allege procedural irregularities, including a premature land use change notice before the property sale was finalized.

Traffic and Safety Risks: Nalikwanda Road is already congested, and a new station could exacerbate traffic hazards and endanger pedestrians.

Impact on Small Businesses: Local entrepreneurs fear reduced foot traffic, increased pollution, and noise disruption from fuel deliveries and operations.

Security Threats: The area is a frequent route for high-profile government officials, including the President. Residents warn that clustering fuel stations poses heightened risks of fire, accidents, or sabotage.

“We believe such disregard for public participation and local consensus should not persist under your leadership,” the letter reads, appealing to the President’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and people-centered governance.

The petitioners are calling for the site to be repurposed for a more sustainable and socially beneficial development, aligned with the government’s urban modernization agenda.