Office of the Vice President urges early government engagement in resettlement cases

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has urged individuals at risk of displacement to engage the government early to ensure their rights and interests were protected.

OVP Southern Provincial Resettlement Development Officer, Mubanga Mulenga, stressed that investors must identify alternative land before displacing communities, in line with national resettlement policies.

He said this in Sinazongwe District during a multi-stakeholder dialogue hosted by the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) under the Resilience Initiatives for Sustainable Environment (RISE) Project, on Sunday.

Mulenga said resettlement sites must be developed with essential infrastructure, including schools, health centres, markets, roads, and water systems to improve livelihoods.

“The resettlement programme is designed to manage both voluntary and involuntary relocations caused by development projects, mining, or natural disasters,” Mulenga said in a statement in Lusaka on Monday.

He explained that while voluntary resettlement supports individuals seeking assistance, involuntary relocations stem from external circumstances. Vulnerable groups are prioritised in land allocation due to the challenges they face in securing land on their own.

“Resettlement is not just about moving people—it’s about equipping them with basic services and long-term economic opportunities,” he said. “When land is allocated, beneficiaries receive agricultural and livelihood training to support self-sufficiency,” he said.

He further highlighted the collaborative role played by traditional leaders, government agencies, and the Forestry Department in providing infrastructure and support services in newly established resettlement areas.

CEJ Executive Director Maggie Mwape said the RISE Project has been empowering mining-affected communities in Sinazongwe and Serenje since 2019.

Meanwhile, Chieftainess Sinazongwe reaffirmed the critical role of traditional leadership in safeguarding communities from the negative impacts of mining.

“The people of Sinazongwe have endured environmental degradation, water contamination, and displacement due to mining, yet their spirit remains strong,” she said.

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