PS calls for support to Chinsali planners

PS calls for support to Chinsali planners

Chinsali, July 11, ZANIS —Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary has called on stakeholders for Chinsali Local Area Plan to render their full support as the district consolidates the plan for the provincial headquarters.

 Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Charles Sipanje said there is need to have input from stakeholders as ASCO the company engaged to do the Local Area Plan for the new town presents the partial plan.

Mr Sipanje said the consultative meeting will enable stakeholders to advice ASCO on the placement of some infrastructure as the company presents the partial plan.

Mr Sipanje said this in his opening remarks at the final consultative stakeholders meeting held at Chinsali`s Council Hall in Chinsali yesterday.

The Permanent Secretary said the President of Zambia has given Chinsali residents an opportunity to make Chinsali the provincial capital, the best town.

Mr Sipanje also took time to commend Senior Chief Nkula and Chief Chewe for the 25000 hectares of land the two chiefs forfeited to the state adding that in the course of development settlers within the state land will be compensated once displaced.

He further said that a task force to protect the state land will soon be established adding that the task force will constitute the two chiefs, the DC`s office, the local authority, area member of parliament and the community.

Mr Sipanje has warned that those with interest to get illegal land with a view to be compensated will not be considered as compensation will only be for the old settlers.

He said the Chinsali plan is for the benefit of Chinsali residents and the generation to come.
The Permanent Secretary who expressed happiness at the presentation of Chinsali plan, has since appreciated the outcome.

And speaking earlier, Town Clerk for Chinsali Municipal Council, Patrick Kambita has urged residents who are buying illegal land to disassociate themselves from illegal dealings of land.

Mr Kambita advised residents who have bought illegal land from Village headmen to claim their monies because the council will not have a hand in sorting out the land disputes that may arise.

He said residents should understand that the 25000 hectares of land is no longer traditional land hence rules of giving out land have changed.

The Town Clerk has since advised the residents to be patient on acquiring land adding that the Local Authority is not issuing land in order for the authority to utilize the opportunity to modernize Chinsali.

Meanwhile, Director for ASCO Zambia Limited, John Murphy said the Chinsali Local Area plan should head in a right direction for the next five to 10 years adding that the plan is for the benefit of everyone.

Mr Murphy said he is impressed with the participation of the stakeholders during the meeting and hopes that his company delivers according to people`s expectations.

ENDS/