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President Hakainde Hichilema has warned individuals who have encroached on the land reserved for the expansion of Palabana University that the government will reclaim it and return to its rightful owners.
President Hichilema warned that the United Party for National Development (UPND) government would not tolerate any illgalities in the administration of land in the country.
Speaking during a tour of ongoing infrastructure developments, including Hostels and Staff Houses at the University based in Chongwe District on Wednesday, President Hichilema reaffirmed government’s zero tolerance to lawlessness.
“I am fully aware of the illegalities that took place, where individuals acquired land dubiously and obtained council papers through corrupt means,” the Head of State said.
He stated that the the UPND administration was determined to correct past injustices and ensure that public land like the one for Palabana University was protected from encroachment.
Hichilema noted the need for Palabana University, which was the country’s only full-time Agricultural University, to retain sufficient space for agricultural trials, research, and future growth.
“This land is not just for now, it’s for the generations to come who will depend on agriculture and innovation. The institution plays a critical role not only for the present generation but also for the prosperity of the nation in the years to come,” he noted.
He also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing construction of two 400-bed space hostels, two lecture blocks, two lecture theatres, and ten houses for lecturers.
He added that the University needed to have adequate infrastructure to meet the learning standards of higher institutions, stating that the government would continue to support education through loans, bursaries, skills training, and free education.
Similary, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Sylvia Masebo disclosed that a survey conducted by the Anti-Corruption Commission revealed troubling findings, which would be submitted to the relevant authorities for appropriate action.
Speaking on the welfare of the University’s student population, Palabana University Council Chairperson, Mary Zulu, explained that the institution currently had 600 students but that only 275 bed spaces.
“The additional two 400-bed hostels will help reduce the student accommodation deficit,” Zulu said.
Meanwhile, Professor Vernon Chinene, a Senior University official, lamented that out of the 380 hectares originally designated for the university, only 231 hectares remain under its control.
Chinene appealed to the government to intervene urgently to protect the university’s mandate and long-term vision, emphasizing that Palabana University was uniquely positioned to train experts in aquaculture, livestock, and natural resource management.
“We cannot fulfill our mission with only a fraction of the land that was allocated for national development,” he said.
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