The Zambia Institute of Planning (ZIP) a professional cooperate body established by the Urban and Regional Planners Act Number 4 of 2011 of The Laws of Zambia to register and regulate the practice of planning in Zambia.

The functions of the Institute are to amongst other things

(i) register planners and planning firms and regulate their
professional conduct;
(ii) develop, promote, maintain and improve appropriate
standards of qualification in the planning profession;
(iii) advise the Government on matters relating to the planning
profession.

The Institute however, has neglected their duties especially in informing service commissions on the planning profession and qualifications resulting in many of its members neglecting to pay annual subscription fees. In an effort to strong arm local authority planners, ZIP has instituted disciplinary proceedings against non paid up members. This actions sole purpose is in hopes to build finances for the annual planning conference for 2021. ZIP has neglected to institute action against Central Government Planners amongst others, targeting only Local Authorities as an "easy win".

This petition calls for the Minister Of Local Government to cancel annual subscription fees for 2021 to enable the restructuring of ZIP and the Urban and Regional planners act for the benefit of all planners!