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Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Prudence Chinama Kangwa, has called for responsible land reforms and greater awareness among traditional leaders to safeguard land earmarked for national development.
Speaking during a courtesy call by officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Kangwa said uncontrolled land allocation—particularly around strategic areas such as water bodies—was jeopardising government projects.
She commended the ministry’s efforts to secure land but stressed the need to empower chiefs to act in the national interest.
“Land issues have caused conflict in other countries. We must involve traditional leaders and ensure they are well-informed about the national value of land,” she said.
Kangwa cited cases where land initially acquired for free was later sold to government at inflated prices once designated for infrastructure or energy projects.
“Some people acquire land in areas where they anticipate government interest and later demand unreasonable compensation. Chiefs must be sensitised to avoid such situations,” she added.
Ministry Director of Planning and Information, William Nyundu, said the team was in Luapula to consult chiefs on the review of the Lands Act, as part of broader land reforms.
“We’re not here to impose changes. We want input from traditional leaders before drafting a new Bill,” Nyundu said.
He explained that the initiative, supported by the European Union (EU), is concluding consultations in Luapula and Northern provinces before the proposed Bill is tabled in Parliament.
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