THE Office of the Vice President through Resettlement Division has given land offers to over 1,500 squatters and applicants at Kanakantapa Resettlement Scheme in Chongwe district.

Department of Resettlement Director, Cooper Chibomba said that the government recognised the need to formalise the settlers and other citizens who are interested to access land with formal documentation for possession of land in the Resettlement scheme. 

Speaking in an interview, Mr Chibomba revealed that about 900 squatters have received land offer letters, while over 600 applicants who wish to put up infrastructure development within the scheme have also been given offer letters.

The Director explained that a survey was conducted in 2021 which revealed that about 600 targeted citizens were occupying land in Kanakantapa without documentation.

He added that even when the numbers increased over the years, the government through the Land Allocation Committee decided all the over 900 squatters would have formal documentation of land ownership.

“As Government, we recognize that these are also Zambians and whilst they may have come into the resettlement without formal procedures, they were still eligible to be given land,” Mr Chibomba said.

Among those who have been offered land also includes 21 persons with disabilities who have hailed the government for considering their plights.

A physically challenged woman who is also a beneficiary, Safa Twala hopes to build a house on a 50 by 50 plot given to her and also engage in some farming activities.

Another beneficiary, Clement Lungu who has been a squatter for about 15 years was grateful to the government for transforming his life with dignity.

Mr Lungu Boosts his own land which he wishes to put up proper infrastructure that will enhance his livelihood.

And for Widfredah Tembo she no longer lives in fear of facing eviction and has already started up a grocery business which is helping take care of her family needs.