. Kampyongo

By NAKUBIANA MUMBUNA –
GOVERNMENT says there will be no sacred cows in the execution of work by the Taskforce formed to probe the rampant illegal allocation and acquisition of land countrywide.
Home Affairs Deputy Minister Stephen Kampyongo who sounded the warning said the inter-ministerial taskforce would ensure that those involved in illegal land allocation or acquisition were brought to book.
Mr Kampyongo who confirmed that the land taskforce had started sitting, said the Government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the law is followed in land acquisition.
Government three months ago established an inter-ministerial land taskforce aimed at dealing with law breakers in land allocation and acquisition following rampant illegal land activities in some parts of the country.
Mr Kampyongo revealed that the taskforce had so far received numerous complaints from members of the general public and that it was currently following up individual cases.
He further revealed that the Taskforce has so far carried out minor demolitions in Chilanga after it received reports and established that some people had encroached on a piece of land.
Mr Kampyongo also revealed that the Taskforce had managed to resolve the land dispute in Lusaka West where cadres had encroached on private land.
“We therefore warn those involved in illegal land acquisition to stop because once they are discovered, they will not be spared. We will ensure the situation is corrected and those found wanting brought to book,” he said.
Mr Kampyongo had earlier warned that Government was geared to deal with illegal land activities in the same way it dealt with illegal drug activities in Chibolya Township.
The inter-ministerial Taskforce comprises the Ministries of Land, Home Affairs and Local Government and Housing.
The Taskforce is operating from its secretariat at the Ministry of Lands, Mulungushi House in Lusaka, where it is receiving written complaints from aggrieved members of the public.
Lands Minister Mwansa Kapeya said the Land Task force was also involved in educating political party cadres on the need to follow the right procedure in land acquisition.
“I can confirm that work is progressing very well and we are also involved in educating cadres to always follow the right procedure in land acquisition,” the minister said.