Chipata town clerk warns illegal land developers

Chipata town clerk warns illegal land developers
By Christopher Miti in Chipata
Wed 13 Jan. 2010, 04:00 CAT

CHIPATA town clerk Golden Banda has warned of stern action against illegal land developers. In an interview on Monday when the council demolished some illegal structures in Kalongwezi extension, Banda urged the residents to comply with council regulations.

“What has happened is that this morning (Monday) our officers demolished some illegal structures in Kalongwezi extension area. You know this family settled at an illegal place and we agreed that they should not build on this place so that they relocate after the rain season but they didn’t comply. That’s why we have taken that action,” he said.

Banda said the council’s action of demolishing illegal structures would be done systematically and that it would be indiscriminatory.

“Even in places like Chimwemwe compound, people should comply with the council. If they don’t do that, the council will be forced to demolish their structures,” said Banda.

But the owner of the demolished houses in Kalongwezi extension claimed he had legalised his plot. During the full council meeting last Friday, Chipata mayor Malvern Zulu expressed concern over the continued illegal developments in the township. Zulu said the unplanned structures were making the outlook of the town to be bad.

"It has always been my concern over the continued illegal developments in the township; this has been a source of worry because of the unplanned structures, which come up… which make the outlook of the town very bad. I would like to sternly warn those involved in this practice to stop immediately because the law will surely take its course,” said Zulu.

And goods worth millions of kwacha were on Monday destroyed in Kalongwezi extension after a house caught fire.

Cash amounting to K2 million was also burnt in the house, which has about six tenants. The fire is alleged to have been started by a brazier, which was in one of the rooms. The fire also caused extensive damage to the house.