Maravi

(DAILY MAIL) ‘South land problem will be dealt with’

‘South land problem will be dealt with’
By MARTIN NKOLOMBA

PRESIDENT Banda says the problem of land in Southern Province, involving people of Sichifulo Game Management Area, will be looked into. Mr Banda said he was aware of the land problems in which people were displaced.

“I have been going to Southern Province and I understand the land issue. This is not something I have no feelings for,” he said.

President Banda said this at State House when some United Party for National Development (UPND) members of Parliament presented a petition to him outlining difficulties people of Sichifulo were going through after having been evicted from the land by the Zambia Wildlife Authority.

The MPs were led by Namwala member of Parliament, Robbie Chizyuka.

Major Chizyuka said their petition contained information which validated the settling of displaced people of Shichifulo in the area.

He gave a historical background of land problems in Southern Province which he said the President was aware of.

“The situation regarding the problem of land in Southern Province is one that you are well vested with from the time of independence,” Maj. Chizyuka said.

He said the members of Parliament were displeased with the manner in which 8,500 people of Sichifulo were removed from the game reserve which allegedly left some people injured.

In reply, Mr Banda expressed displeasure at the way the MPs conducted themselves before they met him.

He said the MPs were free to see him on issues of national development but wondered why some of them had to conduct themselves in a manner that gave semblance of a demonstration.

President Banda encouraged the MPs to embrace a diplomatic way of seeking audience with him.

He said this in response to a complaint by Maj. Chizyuka that the MPs were not well received by security officers at State House.

Labels: LAND REFORM, LAND RIGHTS, ROBBIE CHIZHYUKA, RUPIAH BANDA, SOUTHERN PROVINCE, ZAWA

posted by MrK @ 11:34 PM