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Government officials on the Copperbelt have taken to social media to condemn and distance themselves from a demolition exercise carried out in Chingola’s Kasompe Township, which has left more than 10 households homeless.
Copperbelt Minister, Elisha Matambo, said the provincial administration was not consulted before the demolitions were executed by the Chingola Municipal Council.
“We would like to condemn the recent demolition of people’s houses in Kasompe area of Chingola District on the Copperbelt,” Matambo said on his official Facebook page on Tuesday.
He added that the timing was both harsh and inappropriate, especially during the rainy season.
“We were not consulted, and we never authorised such an exercise… And you can’t do that to your fellow citizens. We urge the relevant authorities to quickly ascertain what transpired as soon as possible. That is uncalled for!” he said.
Matambo further recalled that in 2023 the provincial administration issued instructions to all councils not to carry out demolitions without consulting his office.
“The behaviour of the Chingola Municipal Council to demolish houses in Kasompe area in Chingola is total insubordination of the highest order and totally wrong timing,” he added.
Chingola Member of Parliament and Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Chipoka Mulenga, also condemned the council for failing to consult.
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“This is uncalled for, consultations should have been done before demolishing people’s dwellings,” Mulenga said.
Meanwhile, Chingola Mayor Johnstone Kang’ombe, who heads the council responsible for the demolition, expressed ignorance about the move.
“We are shocked and deeply sorrowful about the demolition of some houses in Kasompe’s Airport Area, which left families broken, children and the elderly exposed to the elements, and our community shaken to its core,” Kang’ombe said.
He added that during the first demolition exercise, he was personally targeted.
“Our guest house was burnt down, together with all its facilities and goods of great value. No Councillor, no town clerk, no council official suffered such a loss,” he said.
However, council management defended its actions, insisting the clearance was lawful.
“The land in question is, and has always been, a legally designated military security zone, reserved for the essential training and operational readiness of our national defense forces,” management said in a statement.
They noted that the boundaries of the land were clearly demarcated and known.
“It is with deep regret that 10 structures were affected during the latest clearance operation,” management added.
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