GOVT HALTS FORCE EVICTIONS OF SETTLERS

By Violet Tembo:

The Government has halted the eviction of settlers in Luswishi farm block in Lufwanyama district on the Copperbelt province until investigations are concluded on how commercial farmers were given the pieces of land.Over 1-hundred families that have lived and cultivated in the farming block for generations are being forced to move out of the area by the investors.

Addressing the settlers at Lumwana Primary school, Lands and Natural Resources Minister ELIJAH MUCHIMA assured the settlers that the government will put their interest first and protect their rights.

Mr. MUCHIMA directed his officers to form a verification committee which will have representation from the agriculture department, Local authority, and settlers.

H e said the work of the committee will be to establish what transpired in the leasing of the farm block and if people were compensated.

The Lands Minister was in the company of Copperbelt province Minister ELISHA MATAMBO and Lufwanyama Member of Parliament KEN SIACHISUMO.

Meanwhile, Lufwanyama District Commissioner JUSTINE MWALIKWA disclosed that the farm block started operating in 2008 and six commercial farmers have established themselves in the area.

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