ABOUT 2,500 families are on the verge of being evicted in chief Kapijimpanga’s chiefdom in Solwezi district.
This follows Zambia Army’s acquisition of about 9,000 hectares of land in in the de-gazetted forest area number 110 in that chiefdom for the establishment of a military cantonment.
Meanwhile, a named foreigner investor has established a Dairy Ranch within the military cantonment on 750 hectares piece of land.
In a letter of appeal to the Provincial Minister Richard Kapita to stop Zambia Army from evicting the affected families obtained by the Daily Nation, Headman Kalelemba has complained that the exercise totally contradicts the presidential directive not to destabilise the local people through such unplanned programmes.
The traditional leader said government’s decision to de-gazette the area was to allow the people have a permanent settlement.
“And from our position, government has not changed its decision in preference for the establishment of a military Cantonment. I therefore on behalf of the affected families appeal to government to stop Zambia Army from evicting the families from the said land,’’ he said.
He wondered why Zambia Army has not provided alternative land to where the affected families could be relocated.
He further said he was disappointed to see the Zambia Army allow the named foreigner investor to establish a dairy ranch within the land for a military cantonment at the expense of the local people.
‘’This in itself is against the principles and core value of national sovereignty, independence and patriotism,’’ he said.
The traditional leader has since asked the said investor to suspend operations until the matter is settled.