Civic leaders in Solwezi have disapproved the advertising of over two hundred and fifty plots of lands by Solwezi Municipal Council management in Mitukutuku area before concluding compensation issues for the old settlers.

When the matter came up for debate during the fourth ordinary council meeting, the civic leaders raised concern with the farmers who had been farming in the area before the land was converted from customary to statutory.

Seconding the proposal from Kazhiba ward councilor Kyalalankuba Ward Councillor Davis Mubiana stated that he had been receiving reports of non-compensation from people adding that no land had been allocated after being displaced.

“We have some reports on the ground that some of the people were not considered during the exercise, therefore I second that this item should be taken back to the committee,” Mr Mubiana said.

Meanwhile Solwezi Municipal Council Director Planning Sandra Bwalya admitted that they are aware of the list of the affected farmers who are yet to receive the land that was allocated to them.

“A list was submitted to our office by the Sub-chief of all the farmers that have been affected and I must confirm that we have allocated some pieces of land for the farmers that have been affected although I must mention that they are some people who are claiming that they are affected even though that verification has been done,” Ms Bwalya stated.

In addition, Solwezi Mayor Remmy Kalepa who chaired the meeting commented that development in the district should not disadvantage either the farmer or the majority residents who want to see the land developed.

“To some where they have been cultivating, now there will be need to put up a school, hospital or they will be asked to build a house instead of cultivating, to some that will be an inconvenience but because the town is growing we need to start advising ourselves that we need to farm a bit further from the Central Business District,” Mr Kalepa said.

Mr Kalepa however commended the civic leaders for having the best interest of the people by making decisions that will benefit them.