Kang’ombe Explains Kitwe Councillors Land Allocation

In the wake of the outcry over allegations that councillors in Kitwe favoured themselves in land allocation, Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe has given insight on the procedure followed.

Kang’ombe has highlighted the guidelines laying the matter that has raised dust to rest.

FULL STATEMENT:

What should be the procedure for allocating land to councillors and those elected?

Currently there is no law which defines a separate procedure for allocating land to an elected person (Councillor, Mayor or MP or Minister).

In the absence of that procedure, these elected officials are expected to apply like any member of the public and their capacity to develop determined by a panel, for the same plots advertised in the public.

Early this year, we did submit to the Ministry of Local Government, a proposal that a circular or statutory instrument be signed to define the procedure for councillor or Mayor to acquire land legally without speculation and to promote transparency. We made this suggestion to avoid any allegations of unfair competition.

As things stand that circular is not yet in place and councillors will have to acquire land through an advert like everyone else who is above the age of 18 years and is a Zambian, whenever land or plots are advertised.

The council can also allocate land through a council resolution to any member of the public including Councillors. This is to encourage transparency and compliance to the current laws of Zambia. By the way, councils are just agents for Ministry of Lands.

Finally, I want to put it on record that a Mayor or a Council chairperson does not sit on the interviewing panel for plots. In Kitwe the panel comprises of one representative from land alliance, an officer from the drug enforcement commission , two councillors and one community representative from the church.

My suggestion is that in future, plots should be allocated on first come first serve basis to avoid any public complaints on who has been allocated.

In addition, may i suggest that a data base of allocatees be done to ensure not the same people acquire land in respective districts.

Eng. Christopher Kang’ombe