Several people have fallen victim to a new breed of smart conmen in the past simply because of their ignorance. Real estate brokers have been selling land to developers and individuals. At a later stage, when the latter apply for building permits, they learn that the particular land is either reserved for particular projects such as recreational areas or large industrial complexes.

The brokers have preyed on many victims who had no idea of an existing City Master Plan or how to consult it.

The reason why many are unaware of the master plan is that it was poorly publicised and the public was not involved when it was drawn up. All that now is about to change as the master plan undergoes a major facelift.

The public has now been invited to give their inputs on how the new plan can better serve their needs. Since today people will be performing the monthly communal work, Umuganda, local leaders have been called upon to explain about the plan and ignite in them deeper discussions; after all, it is their future that is at stake.

This new approach of discussing major projects with those it will affect should be maintained across the board. The population should not just be ambushed with projects that will not help them in any way or is not a priority. That is a mark of good leadership, attending to the people’s needs, not imposing on them decisions that have been made remotely.