THE PF is not ready for dialogue because they are in a privileged position which they don’t want to lose through talks, says chief Mukuni. And chief Mukuni of Kazungula and Livingstone has asked the people of Dundumwezi not to vacate the Kalomo Forest as directed by the government.

In an interview, chief Mukuni said the PF leadership was not ready for any form of dialogue.

“The directive by government to the people of Dundumwezi area to vacate land because they have encroached on a forest is just a ploy to divert the attention of the Tonga-speaking people from issues of dialogue and national reconciliation to fighting for their land,” he said.

“The directive by a Kalomo forestry officer will not work. Since when did a ka-forestry officer have powers to evict people from land when they are failing to arrest people cutting down trees in forests for charcoal? This is the work of the top PF government leadership. Simply put, the PF is not ready for dialogue, they are in a privileged position and want the status quo to continue. They will not give in to talks even by the Church because they fear to lose this position,” chief Mukuni said.

He added that even if the dialogue process was led by the Church, the PF would not be ready to sit and talk because they do not want to be compromised.
Regarding the Dundumwezi villagers, chief Mukuni wondered why the PF government wanted to move the people out of the forest area when a similar eviction order by permanent secretary Chanda Kasolo in Eastern Province was overturned by the Minister of Lands.

“The people of Kalomo should not move out…it is even worth not talking about because the people won’t move. This is just an attempt to divert the people’s attention from real issues affecting them. People should not move, they should just ignore the notice,” chief Mukuni said.

In a letter dated August 17 signed by Kalomo district forestry officer, the villagers have allegedly encroached upon Kalomo Hills Local Forest No. P13, contrary to the laws of Zambia.

“You are hereby ordered to cease all activities, demolish any illegal structures as you have contravened the provisions of the forestry Act
No.4 of 2015 and vacate the forest reserve by 30 September 2018,” the letter, which did not bear the name of the forestry officer apart from a signature, reads in part.

The officer warned the villagers that they would face the full force of the law if they fail to comply.

In a hand written note, the officer listed the affected areas – Omba, Bbili, Nabulangu and Nkandanzovu.

Among the 14 include Siamankuli, Sichikwalula, Bulyambeba, Simwaanda, Nazibula, Nabusanga, Mukanda and Mubanga Primary School.

Bbili Clinic on the way to Dundumwzi gate and Nameeto Rural Health Centre are among the listed health centres.