WE welcome the arrest of some councillors said to be involved in illegal land allocation because the vice undermines the socio-economic development of the country.
This intervention is commendable because it sends a warning to political cadres that authorities will not sit idle and watch illegal occupation of land under the name of political parties, be it the ruling or opposition.
In fact, all the councillors implicated in the scandal should be fully investigated and, if found wanting, prosecuted to set a precedence, or as a deterrent measure to would-be offenders.
We are happy with the action being taken against offenders because this also goes to show that the Patriotic Front (PF) administration meant business when it declared war against illegal land allocation.
That was when an inter-ministerial committee to superintend over land matters was created to address issues of illegal land allocation.
It was, however, regrettable that some innocent citizens ended up losing lives in defending their pieces of land to some selfish individuals.
With the long-term impact of illegal land acquisition and allocation, it was the reason some citizens had their houses demolished.
The high prevalence of illegality and lawlessness in land allocation and acquisition was threatening law and order in the country.
There is no way some individuals should continue flouting the law just because they belong to the ruling party.
The suspension of three councils and subsequent arrest of some is commendable because no one is above the law.
But we are happy that Government is serious about ending or reducing this vice to negligible levels.
The action by the Government also shows how committed it is towards fighting corruption.
Of course those specialised in criticising everything will see this development as nothing, but it is a giant step in the right direction vis-a-vis illegal land allocation and fighting corruption in this area.
We, therefore, urge the law-enforcement agencies to ensure that these cases are concluded in the best interest of the public.
All persons involved in perpetrating illegality in land allocation and acquisition should be arrested and prosecuted regardless of their social, political or official status.
There should not be sacred cows in the execution of work by the taskforce formed to probe the rampant illegal allocation and acquisition of land.
We also want to urge the public to report all suspected illegal land activities to the taskforce so that those involved could be brought to book.
The issue of illegal land allocation is crucial because land is a critical resource not only for Zambia but Africa’s future.
It has socio-economic development prospects attached to it as much as it is the lifeblood of mostly the rural population.
Many citizens require land but it is the manner in which this resource is acquired which
is important because getting land without following procedure and from the right authorities is a recipe for anarchy.
Against this background, it is commendable that Police are now taking proactive action to stop illegal land allocation and bringing culprits to book.
We, therefore, urge the police and local authorities to be firm in dealing with illegal land occupation, and those illegally allocating land, to avoid loss of life and property.