GOVT ORDERS ARRESTS FOR CHINGOLA COUNCIL WORKERS

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Posted by admin on December 10, 2025 at 12:56 AM

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Government has announced that all Chingola Municipal Council workers involved in the demolition of 10 structures at the Kasompe Airstrip will be arrested, following revelations that the operation was carried out without authorisation.

 Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Gift Sialubalo said the actions by the council undermine government’s commitment to improving the welfare of citizens.

He directed the local authority to provide a comprehensive report within 24 hours, identifying who authorised the demolitions, who allocated plots, and who issued building permits.

The land in question belongs to the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA).

The demolitions were conducted without a council resolution, documentation, or notification to the area MP, councillor, or affected families.

Some councillors reportedly participated in the operation despite no formal approval.

“There are people operating above the law. We are not going to spare anyone involved. Even if structures are illegal, proper processes must be followed,” Sialubalo said.

Chingola Member of Parliament Chipoka Mulenga expressed disappointment, stressing that council equipment should have been deployed for road rehabilitation rather than destroying infrastructure.

Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo condemned the demolitions, confirming that 10 families were displaced.

He noted that the provincial administration was not informed, despite a 2023 directive requiring councils to seek provincial approval before any demolition exercise.

“This was wrong timing and harsh, especially in the rainy season. Dialogue, not demolition, is the solution,” Matambo said.