Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) Chongwe District Coordinator Derrano Choonya has urged Chongwe Municipal Council to exercise Professionalism and transparency as they handle issues related to allocation of land in the district.

Mr Choonya stated that more efforts need to be made by the local Authority to address any irregularities related to land in the area.

He told ZANIS that doing so will enhance the council’s service delivery and strengthen the public’s trust in the council. 

He also encouraged councilors in the area to avoid being involved in any form of land illegalities in their respective wards.

Mr Choonya explained that the allocation of land is not among the expected duties of elected councilors.

“When you are a Councilor, you are not elected to deal with land issues only. Councilors should not act as land agents but providers of leadership,” Mr Choonya said.

He further welcomed investigations by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and Ministry of lands among others over alleged involvement of the council in land irregularities.

Meanwhile, Chongwe Pastor’s Fellowship Chairperson Reverend George Kamau disclosed that the fellowship is saddened by suspension of Councilors and Mayor of Chongwe over allegations of land illegalities.

Reverend Kamau said a lot of communities depend on the guidance of councilors to address various challenges affecting them.

“Residents in wards will be affected by this development because they mostly look to councilors to help them to address the problems they face in their communities,” Reverend Kamau said.

Reverend Kamau however stated that the Christian body will support the Local government’s decision to carry out investigations of the allegations.

He called on the Local Authority to also consider sensitising members of the public on the right procedure of acquiring land as most residents are not aware of the right procedure required for them to acquire land.