29/05/2026
LCC TO REPLACE UMBRELLA TREES WITH INFRASTRUCTURE-FRIENDLY TREE SPECIES
The Lusaka City Council wishes to inform members of the public that, as part of the ongoing road paving works being undertaken under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), selected umbrella trees located along road reserves and paved sections have been removed.
This exercise is part of the Council’s continued efforts to modernize and improve road infrastructure across the city while ensuring that public investments remain durable, sustainable and beneficial to residents for many years to come.
Although umbrella trees have historically contributed to the city’s greenery and provided shade in many communities, technical assessments have shown that their aggressive and widespread root systems pose a serious threat to road infrastructure. In many cases, the roots extend beneath paved surfaces, causing roads, pavements and pavers to crack, lift and weaken over time. This not only compromises the quality of infrastructure works, but also results in increased maintenance and repair costs.
As the Council accelerates infrastructure development under the CDF programme, there is need to adopt environmentally suitable tree species that can coexist with urban infrastructure without causing damage.
In this regard, the removed umbrella trees will be replaced with palm trees and Ashoka trees, which are more appropriate for urban settings due to their controlled root systems, aesthetic appeal and compatibility with paved environments. The replacement is intended to preserve the city’s greenery while simultaneously enhancing urban beauty, cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
The Council would like to assure members of the public that this initiative is not aimed at reducing the city’s tree cover, but rather at promoting responsible urban planning and creating a balance between environmental preservation and infrastructure development.
The tree replacement programme forms part of the Council’s broader vision of transforming Lusaka into a modern, clean, green and well planned city that supports safe mobility, improved public spaces and sustainable development.
The Lusaka City Council therefore calls upon residents to support ongoing development programmes and protect the newly planted trees, as these efforts are intended to improve the quality of life and create a more attractive environment for present and future generations.
Issued by:
Chola Mwamba
Public Relations Manager
Lusaka City Council (LCC)
29/05/2026
