Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu says Government will ensure that ecologically sensitive areas are protected from illegal land sale.
This came to light during the consultation meeting held with villagers, Senior Chief Shakumbila, the police and other Government officials at Senior Chief Shakumbila’s Palace where about 3,000 hectares of grazing land has allegedly been sold to a Chinese investor.
The 17 families that have been affected complained that the areas that they have been using for their families to graze have been taken away from them by the investor. Five headmen from Senior Chief Shakumbila are said to be behind the sale of the land to the investor.
Mr. Nzovu, who is also Nangoma Member of Parliament, assured the affected community of Government’s support to resolve the issue saying the said land will not be sold off as it hosts the ecologically sensitive areas that supply water to the surrounding communities.
He further noted that the development taking place at the site had no approval from the relevant Government institutions such as the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), the Forestry Department, the Ministry of Lands and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
