Monday, 16 May 2016

Sale of Ngwenya Dam sends shivers to nearby community

By Ann Zulu

THE reported sale of Ngwenya Dam in Lusaka’s Nkoloma Ward 1 in Chawama constituency to a foreign investor has made residents living around the area wary, as they fear that their properties might be demolished.

                                                Ngwenya dam

According to Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM) vice president Charles Kafumbo, who has lived in the area for many years, the sale of the dam was ‘‘unacceptable’’ as property owners and the community were not consulted.
Mr. Kafumbo claimed that the dam together with the land around it was sold by former ward councillor Lawrence Sichalwe who is now Member of Parliament for Chawama constituency and that property owners affected were expected to receive K2,000 as compensation.
He said it was ‘‘shameful’’ that the former councillor had opted to sell the dam to foreigners when there were many Zambians who had shown interest in using the facility for fish farming.
“If it is confirmed that Ngwenya dam in Nkoloma Ward 1 has been sold to a foreign investor and property owners who will have their property demolished will be compensated K2,000 each, it will be very shameful,” he said.
Mr. Kafumbo challenged Mr Sichalwe to explain to the people of Nkoloma Ward 1 the issues surrounding the sale of the dam.
He said that failure to do so might cause anarchy as the people were angry.
“Who did he consult? Honestly, can you really sell a dam? It’s very shameful, according to our information he is the one who sold the dam.

“Let him explain this sale because it will bring anarchy, which we don’t want to happen. People here are already looking for him; the dam is owned by the community,” he said.

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