ZAMBIANS MUST HAVE PRIORITY IN LAND OWNERSHIP, SAYS MUCHIMA

By GIDEON NYENDWA NO foreigner should have an advantage over a Zambian when it comes to acquisition of land, newly appointed Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Elijah Muchima has said. Mr Muchima said it was unreasonable for foreigners to have priority to own land at the expense of Zambians. The minister said this when he addressed members of staff at the ministry’s headquarters in Lusaka. “Zambians must own land. No foreigner should be given advantage over a Zambian when it comes to acquisition of land,” he said. Mr. Muchima also said that government would continue with the land titling programme that was started by the previous regime.  He said the titling programme reduces on land encroachment and gives the true sense of ownership for land. “All pieces of land owned by individuals, companies, including government land must be given title,” he said. And Mr Muchima urged staff at the ministry to have a change of mindset towards work. “Let us have a change of our work culture if we are to build a good image as a ministry,” he said.