By AMOS ZULU –

AGRICULTURE and Livestock Permanent Secretary David Shamulenge has warned that Government will revoke any water permit that has been corruptly acquired at the Water Resource Management Authority (WARMA).
This follows revelations that plans to build a US$21 million dam in Mkushi’s Miloso area are being jeopardised because of alleged mismanaged in the issuance of permits that may hinder the proposed 27-metre high dam from filling up.
Six thousand small-scale farmers that stand to benefit from the dam and are being represented by Mark Young and Eden Muwaya have accused WARMA officials of illegally issuing new permits to a few commercial farmers.
But Dr Shamulenge who was in the company of WARMA board chairperson Ed Chomba said the Patriotic Front Government does not tolerate corruption and would serve to protect the interest of the majority Zambians that need to be uplifted from poverty.
“We don’t want to see individuals go to WARMA and take advantage and maybe abuse our officers. The Government doesn’t tolerate corruption, if anything; we will revoke the permits,” Dr Shamulenge said.
He said the construction of the dam downstream would continue, adding that it was important that water was conserved especially with the changing climate.
“Water permits that we are giving now, should be those that are agreed upon by the entire community,” he added.
Bishop Chomba said every development taking place in the country must benefit the local community.
“Water is an entry point of life. We can’t do without it, and so we have got to treasure it in some way. Whatever development that may be taking place in areas like this one, we need to put into consideration the local people, the people we are serving.
“I wouldn’t want to hear stories that we have heard before that Zambians don’t need electricity, they just need food. We are coming in now with a new authority. Like I have said before, water is invested in the President, and we are just regulators,” Bishop Chomba said. NAIS