9 illegal properties reduced to heaps of rubble
By Thandizo Banda
NINE property developers in Kabwe’s Makululu Compound are in shock after the Kabwe Municipal Council razed structures illegally built in the Kalulu Forest Reserve.
Meanwhile, UPND Bwacha South Member of Parliament Sydney Mushanga has distanced himself from the demolitions, saying he was not aware of the exercise.
The property owners have been left counting their losses, wondering what has befallen them.
In an interview with The Mast, town clerk Liftery Ndaba confirmed the demolition conducted on Tuesday morning in Chililalila Ward, Bwacha South Constituency.
Ndaba said the operation was meant to send a strong signal to would-be illegal developers.
“The affected structures were erected without any documentation from the council and in an indiscriminate manner that risked creating a shanty compound inside the forest reserve,” Ndaba said.
He said the council was in the process of degazetting part of the forest land and had sought permission from the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.
Ndaba advised prospective developers to avoid being cheated by unscrupulous land dealers but follow procedure for acquiring land.
He said the pulling down of the nine structures should serve as a warning to others.
An affected developer who asked not to be named complained that the council moved in without notice.
“We have lost our investment just like that. What kind of leadership is this that does not empathise with its suffering citizenry,” he said.
