Address menace of foreigners in Mitengo, Ndola
Dear Editor,
THE serene, high-end residential area of Mitengo in Ndola is often considered a symbol of wealth and prestige. The area boasts beautiful houses, well-maintained gardens and an ambiance that reflects a peaceful, prosperous lifestyle. However, a growing concern among residents of this once-exclusive neighborhood is the increasing presence of foreigners, particularly from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who seem to be taking over both the housing market and local businesses.
What was once a predominantly Zambian area now appears to be slowly changing, with over 90 percent of both landlords and tenants being Congolese. It’s no longer uncommon to find more Congolese living and investing in Mitengo than Zambians themselves. This shift raises several troubling questions about the long-term future of the area and, indeed, the entire city of Ndola.
Reports from locals and landlords indicate that many of these Congolese appear to be without the necessary documentation to allow them to legally live and invest in Zambia. Despite this, they have successfully acquired land, built houses and even established businesses, making their presence a significant and growing force in the local economy.
While immigration and foreign investment are important components of economic growth, there is a concern that the unregulated influx of Congolese may lead to a situation where local Zambians, especially in high-demand areas like Mitengo, will soon find themselves priced out or displaced. This is not just a question of market dynamics but also one of national security, as it appears that some of these residents and property owners may not be following the proper legal channels to establish their presence.
As a resident of Mitengo, I urge the authorities to take swift action to investigate the situation. There is an urgent need to assess the extent to which these individuals have acquired properties and businesses, and whether they are doing so legally. The Zambia Revenue Authority, the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant bodies must work together to ensure that all residents, especially foreigners, are abiding by the country’s laws and regulations.
If left unchecked, the influx of foreigners into areas like Mitengo may eventually result in a situation where Zambia’s own citizens have little say or stake in the neighborhoods they once called their home. We must safeguard our country’s interests and ensure that foreign investments are balanced and do not compromise the livelihoods of indigenous residents.
I hope that the authorities will take this matter seriously and act swiftly to regulate the situation, for the future of Mitengo, Ndola and Zambia as a whole.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Resident of Mitengo Area, Ndola
