Land illegalities in Zambia a threat to integrated planning in meeting present and future needs for housing and infrastructure

By Clinton Masumba in Kitwe

Governing Political Party officials have continued to grab land illegally denying ordinary people access to affordable land and housing which is affecting integrated planning to meet present and future needs for land, housing and infrastructure in Zambia.

Zambia like many other countries has committed to the Habitat III agenda on urbanization and Development but with the current trend, 20 years from now the commitment may not be attained should planning authorities allow governing party officials to take the role of planning cities.

The Central African Country has two tenures of land systems being customary and state, according to the land audit conducted in 1974, 6% of land was under state while 94% still under customary, and that is land administered by traditional leasers.

Zambia has three land deliveries systems which is Customary, Public institutions (Local Authorities, Ministry of Lands, and Ministry of Agriculture) and private formal systems.

Access to land has become a commodity in Zambia making it inaccessible to the vulnerable.

Elected Civic Leaders have several times been caught up in illegal land allocations especially those coming from the governing political parties.

Some of those interacted with reveals why they engage in illegal land activities that have led to an increase in informal settlements in the country.

“We are elected officers but our work is more of volunteerism because we are not entitled to salary, we are not entitled to gratuity even after serving for five years, but how do we survive? We only get allowances of $70 USD in a month where do you take such an amount? One of the civic leaders asked.

“Our supporters are not empowered and giving them land is the only way of empowering them, and such is deemed illegal. Our work is not appreciated and this forces some of us to engage in such activities because not everyone among us has a permanent job”

In January, 2016 The Ministry of Local Government suspended three major Councils in Zambia to pave way for investigations in illegal land allocations.

The suspended Councils were Ndola City Council, Livingstone City Council and Kitwe City Council.

Archie Mulunda - Land Activist 

And Land Activist Archie Mulunda is worried that Zambia’s Developmental Agenda is under threat due to poor land administration in the country.

He said Zambia has seen an increase in the number of informal settlements that have come as a result of poor planning from the local authorities and giving room to governing party official to allocate themselves pieces of land.

“Governing political party officials must allow professionals to plan for better cities, remember Zambia has agreed in the Habitat III agenda and among other things is to make cities better places to live in, so nations are looking at Zambia, but what will this country report after participating in Quito Eduardo were they agreed to urbanization and Development” Mr. Mulunda said.

He has challenged governments to take responsibility and correct the current situation if the nation is to attain the agreed commitments.

“He says Zambia is experiencing serious problems in land delivery channels and this has resulted in the over 1.3 million Shortages of habitable houses, 80 percent of Zambia’s settlements are informal that have no proper services despite them being prime land”

Meanwhile, local Government Minister Vincent Mwale said it is unfortunate to note that the country has experienced a lot of illegal developments which is as result of poor enforcement of the existing laws.

He said it was sad that people masquerading as governing party officials have engaged in illegal allocations of plots even on planned land and those tasked with the responsibility are often intimidated when confronted by the law breakers.

“The Ministry will ensure that no one will use their political influence to distort well developed plans in the name of being a supporter of this or that political party. It is unfortunate to note that the country has experienced a lot of illegal land developments as a result of poor enforcement of existing law” Mr. Mwale said.

Chisokone Market not ideal for trading - Kitwe Mayor

Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang'ombe (L) and kitwe District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe (R)
touring Chisokone Market

By Clinton Masumba in Kitwe

Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe has said Chisokone Market in Kitwe is no longer habitable for trading due to the deteriorating infrastructure coupled with poor sanitation.

Mr Kang’ombe undertook his first tour of Zambia’s arguably second largest Market in the Company of Kitwe District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe to appreciate the challenges being faced by the marketeers.

As usual bad state of the toilets, poor drainage systems and deteriorating infrastructure are among the major challenges that welcomed the two Youthful leaders.

Mr Kang’ombe said the levels of sanitation are very poor and there is need to urgently move in and arrest the situation to make the environment habitable for doing business.

The Local government Association President said the Council will soon move in to provide drainages and make sure that toilets have adequate water supply.

“We have established that the levels of sanitation are very poor, we urgently need to find a way in which we can provide drainages, were water can easily flow. We need to ensure that toilets have adequate water supply.  We want to assure marketeers that the local authority which is collecting money will provide a service to their satisfaction” His Worship the Mayor said.

“We are going to continue collecting garbage; we are going to continue cleaning the facilities so that they are ideal for trading. The office of the District Commissioner and The office of the Mayor is planning an indaba to come up with solutions that will address the challenges being faced by marketeers.

Mr Kang’ombe has appealed to the Marketeers to continue trading despite the market facility not being ideal for doing business.

 “We have discovered that this facility is not ideal for trading, it’s just that people are suffering but in my view we need to improve the state of the market” He added.

“My anticipation is that there is a lot of money which is not reaching the Council, if our cashiers are collecting money and it’s not reaching the council then we have to address that, it is the reason we are calling for an indaba and establish the actual money which is supposed to come out of Chisokone”

Meanwhile, Kitwe District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe said his office will urgently move in to provide security market and address the issue of Foreigners that have invaded the markets.

“Government will move in to provide security in the market;  we will protect our marketeers, because the informal sector is what government is looking at to contribute to the country’s economical development, we need to protect the sector, there is too much money that can add value to national development” He said

Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang'ombe and Kitwe DC Chanda Kabwe

And the two District leaders have issued a joint statement regarding superiority in the district.

Kitwe District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe said “we are not interested in who is senior and who has more authority, we are interested in providing services, but we are going to work as a team, anything to do within the district we will work as a team”

And His Worship the Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe said “His Excellency is not interested in politics of seniority, who should report to who, who should sit in which office and drive which vehicle, our purpose is to provide a service”

Zambia records 13,092 GBV cases between January and September 2016, as the Country observes 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence

Kampamba Mulenga - Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services

As the Country entered the 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, Government is in shock that cases of such nature continue to be on the rise in the country.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Kampamba Mulenga has disclosed that Zambia has recorded 13,092 cases of Gender Based Violence between January and September, 2016.

Ms Mulenga said of the recorded cases, 1,634 are defilement cases while 41 are Gender Based Violence related murder cases, in which 12 are adult male victims, 21 Female victims and 8 Juvenile cases.

“It brings tears to us in government to learn that from January to the end of September, 2016, the Country has recorded 13,092 Gender Based Violence cases. Out of which 1,634 were defilement cases while 41 were GBV related murder cases and out of the 41 cases 12 are adult male victims, 21 female victims and 8 juvenile cases” Ms Mulenga said.

She said men who have been perpetrators of Gender Based Violence have now become victims of such bad vices.

Ms Mulenga who is Chief Government Spokesperson has called on Non Governmental Organisations in the country to work closely with government and soldier on in fighting the vice.

She has stated that advocacy alone is not working out to end the vice and there is need to explore other strategies to help end Gender Based Violence related cases.

The Kalulushi Parliamentarian has expressed concern at the alarming levels of women killing their spouses in the country saying there is need to change the approach in fighting the scourge.  

Poverty among Children a threat to Zambia’s future

By Clinton Masumba in Kitwe.

A Non Governmental Organisation Charity Centre for Child and Youth Development has proposed the need to introduce household empowerment programs to alleviate poverty levels among children.

Organisation Executive Director Alex Bwaluka has noted with great concern the impact of child poverty in most rural parts of Zambia.

Mr Bwaluka said child poverty is greatly affecting the next generation and there is need for government working closely with Civil Society Organisations to intervene and help improve the wellbeing of households in rural parts of Zambia.

He has stated that most children are unable to access health and education services due to the poverty levels being experienced in their respective homes.

Mr Bwaluka has further said sponsoring a child in school who is coming from a poverty stricken home is not producing results as most children decide to stay away from school activities hence hindering their progress in life.

“For instance, you cannot be paying school fees for a child who is coming from a poor family as most cases they may not even manage to get to school due to high poverty levels, so it is important that households are empowered first if the Zambia is to secure the future of the next generation” Mr Bwaluka said.

“As an organisation we identified a few individuals in various schools and we were paying school fees now we realised that the children we were paying school fees for, needs food but this was not sustainable so we have embarked on household empowerment programs aimed at education families on how to save and sustain their livelihoods”

He has expressed concern that the future is threatened with high poverty levels affecting mostly children, whose success is unpredictable.

“When there is poverty at household level even the growth of the child is compromised, poverty has a very big impact on the development of a child, access to health care and other services are issues that must be addressed. Child education sponsorship has failed to work and we have now adopted the household empowerment which is benefiting children” He added

He said children don’t just need books and school uniforms; they need food, education and health care. “Once families are empowered with financial management, you now reduce poverty at household and children will have a chance to attain other services.” Mr Bwaluka stated.

Mr Bwaluka has further commended government on the introduction of Social Cash Transfer and Village banking concepts under the Ministry of Community development which is helping improve the living standards of the people especially those in the rural communities.

He said government and other stakeholders need to do more to secure the future of Children.

Poverty is the most profound challenge that Zambia faces today. It is a social crisis with the majority of people denied a minimum decent living standard. The latest Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Monthly Food Basket Survey shows that it is becoming more and more difficult for the majority to meet basic needs, because food costs have been rising while wages remain static and too far below the food cost. 

The Sustainable Development Goals underscore the global commitment of “leaving no one behind” in development. Considering young people’s participation is an integral part of implementation of Agenda 2030, UNFPA is fostering effective youth participation and inclusion to ensure young people play an important role in their development as well as that of their communities.

Subject Police Officers to refresher Courses to allow them understand Human Rights related issues - DEGHA

The behaviour of the Zambia Police Service recently has shocked various stakeholders in the country.
After UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema and his Vice President Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba were arrested in Luanshya, emotions from Party supporters characterized the Police station.
As expected it was confrontational attacks between the Police and the UPND supporters that saw people being beaten up by the armed police officers.
Due to the behaviour of Party cadres, Police did not relent but used force and descended on unarmed citizens that included women.
The action by the Zambia Police in Luanshya cannot go without a comment, with the Democratic Governance for Human Rights Advocacy (DEGHA) President Gerald Mutelo calling for refresher Courses for Police Officers to allow them understand Human Rights related issues
"There is need for the police to respect Human Rights, I think the police now need refresher courses especially that it’s a Police Service, there is need for police officers to go for  refresher course to understand Human Rights related issues" Mr. Mutelo said.
He said whenever there was something happening both the political parties and the police must not use emotions but ensure that things are done in a peaceful manner.
"The police need to improve, they need to do more to see that they are a service and not a force, their behaviour and mannerism are still that of the police force" he added.
"political parties and the police are not enemies but partners in a democratic society, so there is need for all the stake holders to respect the rule of law and democracy, we expect the police to be professional in the manner they handle various political party cadres both the ruling and opposition" he pointed out.
However, in an interview, Police spokesperson Esther Katongo defended the Police Officers' conduct saying the action was as a result of the alleged unruly attitude of the UPND supporters
"If a person proves to be naughty and make the work of Police Officers difficult, it is imperative that some promotional force is used to discipline such a person" she said.
She further said Police officers had ground for such action, "the approach by officers was necessary because they cadres became unruly"
There is need however, for both the Police and party cadres to avoid confrontations during such activities to avoid being in conflict with the law.
Police officers will indeed need refresher course because the ongoing violation of Human Rights have repercussions in future.
Political Party leaders must take interest in educating their members to avoid engaging in confrontations with the state police.

K 400,000 in the Coffers to Develop Kankoyo Constituency - Mushimba

Brian Mushimba - PF Kankoyo Member of Parliament

41-year-Old Brian Mushimba was elected Member of Parliament for Kankoyo Constituency in Mufulira District under the Patriotic Front Ticket on the 11^th August 2016.

He is among the few that would resign from the position of Regional Director for Africa for the Norwegian State owned electricity utility, Statkraft overseeing their growth agenda in the hydro-power generating business assets on the African continent and the expansion efforts in the greater Africa (Hydro power electricity generation) just to join politics.

Before his election, Brian a father of two handsome boys, and husband to Brenda since 1997 spent time to interact with the people in the constituency and promised among them improved infrastructure and empowerment programs.

Before stepping into Parliament, Brain has kicked of a program aimed at fulfilling his campaign promises before he gets to Parliament building.

Off a rare kind, Brian has procured a 1.5 tonnes canter at a total cost of US$16,000 about K 160,000 for community services in the constituency from his pockets.

He says the initiative is meant to help farmers transport their farm produce to the nearby FRA depots or other destinations, the canter is also expected to respond to emergency needs in the constituency that includes funerals.

Hummer Mill

Not only that, the Holder of a Bachelor’s of Science Degree (BSc) in Mining Engineering from the University of Arizona in the United States of America, a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), both from Salem International University in the USA, has gone ahead to procure three hummer mills to empower women groups in the constituency and sustain their living.

Having been brought up in Kankoyo Constituency, Brian understands the challenges faced in the areas of water reticulation systems, to this effect, Brian is spending US$15,000 about K 150,000 towards the drilling of 6 boreholes in various parts the constituency.

The initiative is aimed at making sure that clean and safe water is made available to the people in the constituency.

In the area of infrastructure, Brian has already engaged the local authority to have a look at approved projects for the constituency and ensure that funds are sourced to commence works.

His priority is the road infrastructure, Brian Believes that the C400 will do wonders once fully implemented and will ensure that people have a better road network.

It is with hope that such efforts will receive the support from central government and ensure that the people are given better services in the Communities.

The experience of losing a Voter's Card and why the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) must invest in the Finger Print Voting System

She arrived at the Kitwe Civic Center with hope of acquiring a new Voter’s Card even after the exercise closed months ago.
After finding out from relevant authorities, she was advised nothing could be done with her case despite having hope that a letter would be written for her to be recognized as a Registered Voter.

Finger Print Voting Machine

The story of Agness Mulenga of Kitwe left me thinking whether there were no options to allow individuals that had lost their voters cards few days to elections to take part in the elections as the 25 year old looked helplessly.

After receiving the unfortunate news, she removed her glasses looking teary after realizing that she had no chance to take part in the Zambian elections slated for August, 11th 2016.
She wept as I drew closer to get her side of the story, despite her emotional appearance; she opened up explaining her unfortunate fate.
"Our house was gutted last night and my Voter’s Card was among other important documents that I have lost following the unfortunate event, we don't know how the fire started and property has been lost but losing my Voter’s Card is the most painful one. You know these elections are crucial and being denied a chance to vote due to lack of technology hurts a lot" she narrated as tears run down her face.
"You know the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has money, why don't they invest in technological equipment to handle problems like mine"? She questioned as she looked frustrated.

“Life is quiet unfair, I have always wanted to vote, my time came and it’s all lost” she broke down.

Her experience was one of those moments that many people are going through currently yet there is nothing that can be done according to those given the authority. It is still shocking that so many people have no opportunities because they lost their documents to allow them vote under unclear circumstances.

The process of voter registration only comes into effect prior to elections and the system seems more tedious as people are forced to queue for long hours to get their voters cards. In 2015 President Edgar Lungu was quoted as saying, He was discussing with some funders to finance the electronic voting in Zambia.

The current system works in a way that the user has to show his/her 'voter’s card’ where he/she goes to the polling booth to poll his/her 'vote. The process is however time consuming as the person has to check the 'voters card’ with the list he/her has, confirm it as an authorised card and then allow the person to poll his/her 'vote. 

 

Electronic Finer Print Voting Machine

In the Finger print based electronic voting the person at the polling booth will only have to place his/her thumb and the date will be captured the be allowed to vote. If a person is not a registered voter the system will be able to detect then the person will not be allowed to vote.

Referring to Agness’ scenario, her case is no different from what many Zambians are experiencing and it is important that the electoral Commission of Zambia takes time to serious look at this issue and help as many people to take part in the elections as they try to fight Voter Apathy that continues to characterize Zambian elections.

Is Zambia ready to implement the Finger Print Based Electronic Voting Machine? Well that’s a topic for another day, but looking how the voting process has been since multiparty system, the process has been so involving.

This move if you ask me has contributed to an increase in voter apathy as most people have had problems to queue up for longer hours just to cast their votes while it would only take a minute with the Finger Print Based Electronic Voting.

The case of Agness is a reality and many people will be affected in the forthcoming general elections in Zambia, while the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) shall continue to depend on their voter register without knowing how many people still have their voter’s cards after registration.

The Zambian Government must show political will in helping top addressing the pertinent issues as opposed to making rhetoric statements that have not yielded any results due to lack of seriousness.

With such interest and passion from people like Agness, it is important that their efforts are supplemented with improved systems that will make their contribution easier and help in reducing voter apathy.