LAND SCANDAL

GOVERNMENT has challenged the investigative wings to pursue all civic leaders involved in illegal land allocation.This follows the revelation that at least 19 councillors from Lusaka and Kitwe city councils have been actively involved in the illegal allocation of land.According to Minister of Local Government Charles Banda, investigations by adhoc committees had revealed obvious illegalities in the allocation of land by some councillors.Dr Banda said some councillors were working with council workers in perpetuating illegal land allocation.He explained that 12 councillors were from Kitwe and seven from Lusaka.The Minister said it was worrying because civic leaders were expected to exhibit high standards of moral behaviour.“The ministry will now allow investigative wings to pursue the alleged involvement of some civic leaders and council workers in illegal land allocation,” Dr Banda said.He reiterated the PF government’s resolve of non-tolerance to misconduct in any form at the expense of service delivery.“I can assure you that as far as illegalities are concerned, no one will be spared,” he said.Meanwhile, Dr Banda said the 90 days suspension period for both Kitwe and Lusaka councils which was effected on July 27 for alleged illegalities in land allocation elapsed on Tuesday, October 27T. herefore, he said, the suspension had been lifted in line with section 51(1) of Local Government Act no. 2 of 2019.The minister thanked the two local Government administrators for Lusaka and Kitwe city councils, Mr Nixon Nkwapu and Mr Adam Jere for discharging their respective functions diligently during the suspension of the two councils.Ms Kapata however said the land agency at both councils remain suspended.Ms Kapata said her ministry has decided to uphold the suspension until further notice and that the councils would not be allowed to act on behalf of the ministry of Lands in the allocation of land.She warned that all those behind illegal land allocations would be dealt with.Ms. Kapata who said there was no land in urban areas urged the public to apply for land in rural areas.