Maravi

Sheriffs demolish houses in Lusaka's Mazyopa compound

Sheriffs demolish houses in Lusaka's Mazyopa compound
By Nomusa Michelo
Wednesday August 29, 2007 [04:00]

POLICE yesterday fired tear gas at an angry mob of stone-throwing Mazyopa compound residents whose houses were demolished. And the Sheriff’s Office and police demolished about 20 mud brick houses in Mazyopa compound, leaving over 100 people homeless. Angry residents of Mazyopa compound yesterday threw stones at armed police officers and officers from the Sheriff of Zambia’s office as they were leaving Mazyopa compound after they demolished about 20 houses.

The residents who were angry about the demolition exercise started throwing stones as police escorted Sheriff officers from the compound. The residents complained that they had not been informed about the exercise and threatened to demolish the house of the landowner.

According to officers at the scene, a court order had been issued by the High Court in favour of a Sally Sikwambi, who owned the land on which the structures were constructed.

Police fired tear gas canisters at the residents who scampered in various directions, but returned to throw more stones at police.

And earlier Mandevu member of parliament Jean Kapata who witnessed the demolition exercise confronted officers from the Sheriffs Office, saying her office did not receive a copy of the court order.

“We could have put an injunction, if my office had been served with this order,” she said. “Now what are these people going to do? Where are they supposed to sleep tonight and thereafter?” she asked.

Kapata complained that over 100 people had been made homeless and called on the Office of the Vice-President Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit to come to the aid of the affected residents.

One of the affected residents, Roster Simwanza said she and her husband bought the house in 1999. She said it was unfair for her house to be demolished. Simwanza, who was in tears said she had four children and a husband, and did not know where they would go.

“This was our only house. What do they expect us to do? Do they want my children to be street kids?” she asked amidst sobs.

Another resident, Mathew Tembo said it was important for the government to look after its people and find a place for them to stay.

Labels: HOUSING

posted by MrK @ 3:24 AM