The brother of Chieftainess Mwape, and Senior Chief Luembe, Gerald Mulowa tells me that the Surveyor-General of Zambia has now cancelled the 99 year renewable leasehold issued to Z. Patel for what once was Mwape customary land, and that Patel will shortly have to remove his developments. It remains to be seen whether this will happen, and whether the Anti-Corruption Commission are really doing anything about the case. Nothing has been heard from the Commision for Investigations.
All efforts so far of the newly formed Luembe Community and Caretaker Association to deal similarly with the Luembe section of the West Mvuvye Forest, alienated to Royal Luembe Limited (Tom Younger and Andrew Baldry) have failed so far. The MMD Chairman (ruling party) for Nyimba, Whiteson Njobvu - an accomplice of Younger et al, told me that no alienation had taken place - contrary to what Younger told me. However, Njobvu did not make his appointment with me to discuss the issue and now has placed pressure on the Nyimba District Council not to make available to the Association, and to the Chairman of the Luembe Community Resource Board, the land number - required to trace the details at the Ministry of Lands.
Rumour has it that Royal Luembe have purchased a major shareholding in the Mn'yamadzi game ranching company, a property which lies to the south of the West Mvuvye Forest, though nothing official has as yet been recorded of this transaction. Recent site of the safari hunting quotas issued once again for this unfenced property, reveal massive quotas, some species like hippo and crocodile which can only be shot in the adjoining West Petauke Hunting Block, whose boundaries include the Luangwa river. Complaints about this to all and sundry have had no response.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
West Mvuvye National Forest and Baldry and Younger's Company...
The Baldry/Younger outfit, Royal Luembe Ltd, wholly owned by them - with no community shareholding, is according to Whiteson Njobvu of Luembe (a willing assistant in their plan to alienate the forest for commercial gain), "doing nothing". Njobvu says that the area is still a National Forest and Royal Luembe has yet to be given clearance to go forward with their plans. This makes Younger's assertion that the forest had been degazetted as a result of his application, and that the permission of the State President had been given in a private audience, puzzling. Meanwhile community members are continuing with their queries at the Ministry of Lands and other government offices.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Luembe community public prosecutor investigates land alienations...
The Luembe community public prosecutor in the lower end of Zambia's Luangwa valley, Japha Mbewe, is very busy investigating a number of issues affecting the rights of his community: land alienations, the bushmeat trade, elephant poaching, the ivory trade, a poaching syndicate being run by Zambia Wildlife Authority officers, illicit ivory movements, the fencing off of community land without the necessary EIA being completed, illegal safari hunting, the impacts of elephant and other wildlife on village crops and property...
An interview he conducted today with the Nyimba Forestry Officer shed no light on the contining West Mvuvye National Forest saga. He local man in charge of forestry knows nothing of de-gazetting, of what happens at head office. Decentralization, where are you?
An interview he conducted today with the Nyimba Forestry Officer shed no light on the contining West Mvuvye National Forest saga. He local man in charge of forestry knows nothing of de-gazetting, of what happens at head office. Decentralization, where are you?
Friday, June 15, 2007
Silence in the forest...
The West Mvuvye National Forest alienation issue still smoulders. The latest is that some members of the divided Royal Nyendwa clan - the section who have the interests of the community at heart(Kathryn and Gerald Mulowa), tell me that the Ministry of Lands told them that the area has not been de-gazetted, and that the Forestry Department has belatedly sent someone down to Investigate. This still leaves the matter wreathed in smoke; and Messrs Tom Younger and Andrew Baldry et al have failed to produce evidence of ownership of the Luembe section of the forest, although they apparently have now bought the M'yamadzi game ranch which borders the forest to the south. Complaints/queries to the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Comission for Investigations have so far failed to elicit a response.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
The latest on West Mvuvye National Forest...
I met with Tom Younger yesterday in order to clarify issues around the West Mvuvye, the M'nyamadzi game ranch and the West Petauke GMA in the southern Luangwa valley. I was assured that the forest was in fact a local forest, that he had made the necessary application - with the agreement of Senior Chief Luembe and the Nyimba District Council, for a 14 year provisionary lease and that this had, after an interview, been personally granted to his Royal Luembe Trust by the State President of Zambia. It would seem clear therefore that at some time since the Luembe Conservancy Trust's application two years ago to the Department of Forestry for a Joint Forest Management Agreement in respect of the Mvuvye (requiring the agreement of Chief's Mwape and Luembe and the Council), this forest was de-gazetted from a national to a local forest - the latter having no protection from alienation other than by the interventon of the President. No one informed myself or our Trust of this. This begs the question as to why Mr Sangalube of the Forestry Department personally assured me and community representatives some two months ago that the alienation of this forest was not allowed as it was a National Forest, and that the portion of the forest alienated on 99 year lease to Mr Z. Patel would be terminated by the Attorney-General as it was illegal. Since that time, Sangalube and the Director of Forestry have refused us an interview.The present chief, Francis Kalunga, faces a court hearing in June concerning his fitness and legitimacy to remain in office. Should he be removed, the new chief and his advisors would have to satisfy themselves as to the legitimacy of the M'nyamadzi lease, and the process whereby the forest was de-gazetted without the community's knowledge.
These issues apart, the Luembe Conservancy Trust was established to provide the necessary guidance in respect of natural resource management for Luembe as a whole, and to attract appropriate investment once projects had been identified through the participatory rural appraisal process and the production of a landuse plan - presently in progress. Although I do not like the way they have gone about obtaining the land, Younger assures me of their good conservation intentions. Their Trust provides a 20% shareholding for the community and an as yet undisclosed shareholding for Senior Chief Luembe. We discussed the issue of the West Petauke Hunting Block concession across the river from the Mvuvye, an area long under a poaching assault, and currently being ravaged by elephant poaching gangs in which some ZAWA members are participants. This concession was obtained by a foreign investor and myself as the first investment made under the Luembe Trust umbrella.
Clearly, in order to bring development to the area under an holistic development plan - bearing in mind that hunting safaris alone do not provide the income necessary to protect the biodiversity or to enable local people to achieve the Millenium Developpment Goals, it will be necessary to form close working relationships with all stakeholders in the West Petauke ecosystem. This we are endeavouring to do with Younger as his investors wish to invest in all or part of the concession as well.
I.P.A. Manning
These issues apart, the Luembe Conservancy Trust was established to provide the necessary guidance in respect of natural resource management for Luembe as a whole, and to attract appropriate investment once projects had been identified through the participatory rural appraisal process and the production of a landuse plan - presently in progress. Although I do not like the way they have gone about obtaining the land, Younger assures me of their good conservation intentions. Their Trust provides a 20% shareholding for the community and an as yet undisclosed shareholding for Senior Chief Luembe. We discussed the issue of the West Petauke Hunting Block concession across the river from the Mvuvye, an area long under a poaching assault, and currently being ravaged by elephant poaching gangs in which some ZAWA members are participants. This concession was obtained by a foreign investor and myself as the first investment made under the Luembe Trust umbrella.
Clearly, in order to bring development to the area under an holistic development plan - bearing in mind that hunting safaris alone do not provide the income necessary to protect the biodiversity or to enable local people to achieve the Millenium Developpment Goals, it will be necessary to form close working relationships with all stakeholders in the West Petauke ecosystem. This we are endeavouring to do with Younger as his investors wish to invest in all or part of the concession as well.
I.P.A. Manning
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Zambia's Forestry Department in Nyimba does not know and won't listen
The Chairman of the Luembe Headman's Association reports that the Forestry Officer in Nyimba, the district officer in charge of West Mvuvye National Forest, appears to know nothing of the sale of the Forest to private investors on 99 year leasehold. This despite the fact he has received letters of complaint from the Chairman of the Luembe Community Resource Board to that effect. Is the Forestry Department the next Government Department to be temporarily closed down by the President so as to allow it to be investigated for corruption?
The only result so far appears to be the surveillance put in place by agents of the Office of the President (cars: ABH 3491 and ABH 3260) on the residence of I.P.A. Manning, Director of the Luembe Conservancy Trust, the Trust which has had a two year wait for approval of its Joint Forestry Management project with the Forestry Department, and which is working to expunge corruption from the area. The case of the Vice-President of the Patriotic Front, Dr Guy Scott and Manning versus Mr Chipoya, Principal Private Secretary to the President in the Office of the President, who, while the President was absent from Zambia, charged the two - and others, with planning to sabotage the ruling party and of planning the destruction of the maize stocks of Zambia, will shortly appear in court. Could this surveillance be part of the grand design?
The only result so far appears to be the surveillance put in place by agents of the Office of the President (cars: ABH 3491 and ABH 3260) on the residence of I.P.A. Manning, Director of the Luembe Conservancy Trust, the Trust which has had a two year wait for approval of its Joint Forestry Management project with the Forestry Department, and which is working to expunge corruption from the area. The case of the Vice-President of the Patriotic Front, Dr Guy Scott and Manning versus Mr Chipoya, Principal Private Secretary to the President in the Office of the President, who, while the President was absent from Zambia, charged the two - and others, with planning to sabotage the ruling party and of planning the destruction of the maize stocks of Zambia, will shortly appear in court. Could this surveillance be part of the grand design?
Six accountants in Zambian Land Ministry suspended
April 13, 2007
Six accountants in Zambian Land Ministry have been suspended for alleged improper use of public funds and missing receipt books, Zambia Daily Mail reported Friday. Several others at the ministry have been written charge letters to exculpate themselves, failure to which they will also be suspended, according to the newspaper.
Permanent secretary of the ministry Bernard Namachila said here Thursday that he had decided to suspend the accountants and reprimand others in line with the government crusade to clean up the rot in the ministry.
He said he had asked the accountant in Kabwe who could not properly account for over 19 million kwacha (over 4,500 U.S. dollars) to exculpate himself, failure to which he too would be suspended. The suspension of the officers has resulted in a shortage of accounting staff and he has since requested the Finance Ministry of the country to provide support staff for the Land Ministry. Principal accountant Muketukwa Nalumino told the Parliamentary Public Accounting Committee (PAC) that when the accountant at the head quarters was asked about the missing receipt books, he said they were given to an officer who had since retired and could not be traced.
"But when we traced the retired officer, he denied having gotten the said books. This is when the accountant again told us that the books were given to a cashier who was very sick and not reporting for work. The cashier also refused. That is when the officer was suspended," Nalumino said. The PAC also heard that out of 24 cheques worth 343 million kwacha, four were forged. The matter has since been reported to the police who are currently investigating, she said. PAC chairperson Charles Milupi took Nalumino and other senior officers in the ministry to task for having sat on the information until it was raised. "The committee has difficulties in believing what you are telling us because it has taken about three years for you to bring up the matter. There seems to be a casual attitude by the ministry on following up cases of misuse of funds," Milupi said.
Last month Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa sacked deputy Land Minister for alleged corrupt involvement in the allocation of land only less than three weeks after the Land Minister was fired for the similar reason.
On Feb. 28, Mwanawasa with immediate effect terminated the appointment of Gladys Nyirongo as land minister after the revelation of corruption scandals surrounding several high officials in the ministry.
Xinhua...
Six accountants in Zambian Land Ministry have been suspended for alleged improper use of public funds and missing receipt books, Zambia Daily Mail reported Friday. Several others at the ministry have been written charge letters to exculpate themselves, failure to which they will also be suspended, according to the newspaper.
Permanent secretary of the ministry Bernard Namachila said here Thursday that he had decided to suspend the accountants and reprimand others in line with the government crusade to clean up the rot in the ministry.
He said he had asked the accountant in Kabwe who could not properly account for over 19 million kwacha (over 4,500 U.S. dollars) to exculpate himself, failure to which he too would be suspended. The suspension of the officers has resulted in a shortage of accounting staff and he has since requested the Finance Ministry of the country to provide support staff for the Land Ministry. Principal accountant Muketukwa Nalumino told the Parliamentary Public Accounting Committee (PAC) that when the accountant at the head quarters was asked about the missing receipt books, he said they were given to an officer who had since retired and could not be traced.
"But when we traced the retired officer, he denied having gotten the said books. This is when the accountant again told us that the books were given to a cashier who was very sick and not reporting for work. The cashier also refused. That is when the officer was suspended," Nalumino said. The PAC also heard that out of 24 cheques worth 343 million kwacha, four were forged. The matter has since been reported to the police who are currently investigating, she said. PAC chairperson Charles Milupi took Nalumino and other senior officers in the ministry to task for having sat on the information until it was raised. "The committee has difficulties in believing what you are telling us because it has taken about three years for you to bring up the matter. There seems to be a casual attitude by the ministry on following up cases of misuse of funds," Milupi said.
Last month Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa sacked deputy Land Minister for alleged corrupt involvement in the allocation of land only less than three weeks after the Land Minister was fired for the similar reason.
On Feb. 28, Mwanawasa with immediate effect terminated the appointment of Gladys Nyirongo as land minister after the revelation of corruption scandals surrounding several high officials in the ministry.
Xinhua...
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Zambia's West Mvuvye National Forest No. 54 corruption
News - as yet unconfimed, that the southern portion of the West Mvuvye National Forest has now been alienated on a 99 year renewable lease to investors brought in by Messrs Younger and Baldry, joining the already alienated northern portion of this protected area, awarded on a similar lease to Mr Z. Patel, is deplorable news. However, a call from the Chairman of the Luembe Headman's Association saying that he has heard that the Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources has de-gazetted this National Forest, suggests that matters may have taken a turn for the worse at a Ministry whose Forestry Department refuses to see community members living around the Forest who object to the alienations, nor respond to Luembe Conservancy Trust trustees who had two years ago applied for a joint forest management agreement with the Forestry Department in respect of the Forest in question.
This corruption has been widely reported: to the Commission for Investigations, the Anti-Corruption Commission, to The Post newspaper...but nothing has been said or done about it.
Any land over 250 ha may not be alienated on 99 year leasehold to any individual or company without the express permission of the Minister of Lands.
The peoples' land is being stolen by corrupt chiefs, fast-buck merchants and civil servants who serve only their own family and clan interests. And we appear powerless to stop it.
This corruption has been widely reported: to the Commission for Investigations, the Anti-Corruption Commission, to The Post newspaper...but nothing has been said or done about it.
Any land over 250 ha may not be alienated on 99 year leasehold to any individual or company without the express permission of the Minister of Lands.
The peoples' land is being stolen by corrupt chiefs, fast-buck merchants and civil servants who serve only their own family and clan interests. And we appear powerless to stop it.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Africa: Continent Losing Forest Faster Than Any Other Region
SciDev.Net (London)
March 15, 2007
Posted to the web March 15, 2007
Marina Ramalho
Africa lost over nine per cent of its trees between 1990 and 2005, according to a UN survey of the world's forests.
This represents over half of global forest loss, despite the fact that the continent accounts for just 16 per cent of global forests. The report was released this week (13 March) by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The highest losses occurred in countries with high forest cover: Angola, Cameroon, DRC, Nigeria, Sudan, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Although forests are obtaining greater political support and commitment in Africa, the report says "implementation and law enforcement remain weak in most countries".
In Latin America and the Caribbean, home to around a quarter of the world's forest cover, 0.5 per cent of forest was lost every year between 2000 and 2005 -- up from a rate of 0.46 per cent in the 1990s. The conversion of forest to agriculture was the leading cause of deforestation. Costa Rica, however, has turned around its forest decline in the 1990s to see a growth of almost one per cent of forest area expansion per year. But the extent to which this is related to reductions in agricultural land or innovative policies is not clear, warns the report. The survey highlighted positive action in Latin American countries. This includes a large increase in forest area designated for biodiversity conservation, indicating that countries are taking steps to prevent loss of primary forests -- those undisturbed by human activities.
According to the report, the region is "among the world leaders in innovative approaches to international cooperation on forest issues". Methods used include forming networks to fight fires and improve the management of protected areas.
The Amazon Treaty Cooperation Organization -- whose member countries comprise Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela -- and the Central American Commission on Environment and Development are among those cited in the report. Forested area increased in Asia between 2000 and 2005 -- largely due to China's investment in tree plantations, which offset high rates of forest clearing in other regions.
March 15, 2007
Posted to the web March 15, 2007
Marina Ramalho
Africa lost over nine per cent of its trees between 1990 and 2005, according to a UN survey of the world's forests.
This represents over half of global forest loss, despite the fact that the continent accounts for just 16 per cent of global forests. The report was released this week (13 March) by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The highest losses occurred in countries with high forest cover: Angola, Cameroon, DRC, Nigeria, Sudan, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Although forests are obtaining greater political support and commitment in Africa, the report says "implementation and law enforcement remain weak in most countries".
In Latin America and the Caribbean, home to around a quarter of the world's forest cover, 0.5 per cent of forest was lost every year between 2000 and 2005 -- up from a rate of 0.46 per cent in the 1990s. The conversion of forest to agriculture was the leading cause of deforestation. Costa Rica, however, has turned around its forest decline in the 1990s to see a growth of almost one per cent of forest area expansion per year. But the extent to which this is related to reductions in agricultural land or innovative policies is not clear, warns the report. The survey highlighted positive action in Latin American countries. This includes a large increase in forest area designated for biodiversity conservation, indicating that countries are taking steps to prevent loss of primary forests -- those undisturbed by human activities.
According to the report, the region is "among the world leaders in innovative approaches to international cooperation on forest issues". Methods used include forming networks to fight fires and improve the management of protected areas.
The Amazon Treaty Cooperation Organization -- whose member countries comprise Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela -- and the Central American Commission on Environment and Development are among those cited in the report. Forested area increased in Asia between 2000 and 2005 -- largely due to China's investment in tree plantations, which offset high rates of forest clearing in other regions.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Chiefs Nyalugwe, Kopa...the story goes on
That Amanita was allocated 10, 000 ha. of land by Senior Chief Kopa and Chief Luchembe is further evidence of the failure of some chiefs to embrace a Landsafe Trust, whereby customary land is leased out under 'usufruct' and not 99 year renewable leasehold which results in the permanent removal of the land from the community.
Amanita tried to obtain land in Chief Nyalugwe's country but was blocked by the community, with encouragement from myself - and I was assured by the then Minister of Lands, Judith Kapijimpanga, that she would not allow it through were it to land on her desk. However as we are trying to usher in investment to customary areas , we encouraged Nyalugwe to rent land under ususfruct to Amanita; something not attractive to Nyualugwe or Amanita - the chief wanting cash in his pocket, and presumably Amanita wanting the security of a western-style land tenure arrangement.
In 2003, I presented the Landsafe programme for investment to Kopa, his CRB and senior advisors. This would have created a Trust in which investors and donor funds would go into a trust fund and be applied to community development - based on a participatory landuse plan. Kopa never did anything. When Kopa sat on the House of Chiefs he must have received a copy of the Landsafe programme which I had distributed to them all through Chief Chiawa. This later resulted in the Chiefs' representative to the stakeholder workshop for the 5th national Development Plan saying that they accepted the concept of "Chiefs'Trusts'.
What was mentioned (but not placed on the blog) in the article, was President Mwanawasa's statement that no more than 250 ha. may be given out in customary areas. Clearly the Commissoner of Land was acting outside of the law; as he has done in awarding some 10,000 ha. of the Mvuvye National Forest on 99 year lease to a businessman. Despite numerous attempts by myself and the community to have the Forestry Department do something about this, we have so far failed, Forestry now even refuse to see us. There are other long standing issues of land corruption which has been reported but nothing is being done about it.
An unfortunate part of the Amanita attempt to buy land from Nyalugwe, was that Nyalugwe then tried to have myself and Ross Michelson (who bought land from Nyalugwe some time ago) deported; succeeding, for the moment, with Michelson.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
The pot calls the kettle black...
Corruption threatens African democracy, economy
Geraldine Fraser Moleketi, the public administration minister
South African Broadcasting News February 28, 2007, 18:30
The anti-corruption conference says democracy, economic development and poverty eradication are under threat because of widespread corruption in Africa, but the developed world is also to blame. This emerged at the start of a three day anti-corruption conference held in Johannesburg today where more than 300 delegates from across Africa are discussing strategies in the fight against corruption. The conference has been hosted by the department of public service and administration in conjunction with the AU and the UN Economic Commission for Africa.
The aim is for African governments, businesses and civil society to come up with possible solutions and adopt an African position on corruption ahead of the Global Forum on corruption in April. The delegates also agreed that corruption is one of the main reasons for rampant poverty, civil wars and under-development in the continent. But it is also true that multi-nationals and the developed world are also to blame.
Geraldine Fraser Moleketi, the public administration minister, says: "I think it will not be inappropriate for us to say that whether you look at the oil industry, arms industry, the minerals and various other resources, we have seen developed countries or agencies play a role which is negative and one example that has come this morning has been the Lesotho highlands water scheme."
Conference ends on Friday
According to Gladys Nyirongo, the land minister of Zambia, corruption in her country is more rife in the distribution of land. Nyirongo says: "You can be given land today, and the following day is being passed to another person, so that is where really I need to be very aggressive and very strong, because you will have a lot of friends, but you create a lot of enemies."
The conference will run until Friday when officials will announce a way forward and the type of National Integrity Systems to be used in their anti-corruption drive. At least 40 countries are signatories of the AU convention on preventing and combating corruption.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Dark deeds in the Ministry of Lands...
Why I fired Nyirongo - Levy
By KASUBA MULENGA (Zambia Daily Mail 1 March 07)
PRESIDENT Mwanawasa has suspended Commissioner of Lands Frighton Sichone less than 24 hours after Minister of Lands, Reverend Gladys Nyirongo, was sacked for engaging in corrupt practices involving land allocation.
The suspension of Mr Sichone was to pave way for investigations by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) into the alleged corrupt practices bordering on money laundering. Mr Mwanawasa made the disclosures at State House yesterday when he swore-in the new Minister of Lands, Mr Bradford Machila, permanent secretary in the Office of the Vice-President, Dr Austin Sichinga, Citizens Economic Empowerment Commissioners, Industrial Relations Court deputy chairman, Mwiinde Siavwapa and two senior private secretaries at State House, Rabson Chilufya and Alfred Sakala.
“Rev Nyirongo gave out land to herself, two plots to her husband, two other plots to her son and two more plots to her daughter.
So, I felt that the matter should be investigated,” Mr Mwanawasa said. “I have asked the Drug Enforcement Commission to investigate the matter. And because of rampant corruption at the Ministry of Lands, which is now stinking, I directed the Inspector-General of Police last night to seal off the premises,” he added. He said the ministry's premises would remain closed until investigations were completed.
The President also said that Rev Nyirongo illegally gave out 25,000 hectares in Mpika to a foreigner, contrary to his directive that any piece of land exceeding 1,000 hectares should not be given out without consulting him. He said he disapproved the allocation of the huge tract of land to a foreigner, but Rev Nyirongo went ahead with the process of issuing title deeds.
Mr Mwanawasa said also said he took into consideration Rev Nyirongo's allegations against Mr Sichone and that was why he decided to suspend him to pave way for investigations. He has since asked the new minister to quickly identify an officer who would take over from Mr Sichone.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice-President, Bernard Namachila, has been transferred to the Ministry of Lands. The President said he suspended Ms Mukuka Zimba, as permanent secretary in the same ministry after reports of her alleged involvement in corrupt practices although he was of the view that she would be cleared so that she could take back her position. However, due to reasons only known by herself, Rev Nyirongo continued piling up allegations against Ms Zimba so that he made it difficult for her to return.
Mr Mwanawasa said even after he appointed Mr Sichone to act as permanent secretary, Rev Nyirongo got furious and started making several allegations against him. “Many people at the ministry have amassed wealth through corrupt practices and they have been reporting each other. The minister reported the Commissioner of Lands but other people within the ministry also reported her. All I can say is that there is no order among thieves,” he said.
The President was also disappointed that Rev. Nyirongo approached Minister of Home Affairs, Ronnie Shikapwasha, DEC commissioner, Ryan Chitoba, and Anti-Corruption Commission director-general, Nixon Banda, over her allegations against Mr Sichone. He wondered why of all the people, Rev. Nyirongo also sought audience with First Lady, Maureen Mwanawasa over the same matter and what role Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha could play in the corruption allegations at the ministry. Mr Mwanawasa appealed to workers at the ministry to report any corrupt practice to Secretary to the Cabinet, Joshua Kanganja, or his private secretary for legal affairs so that investigations could be instituted. He said there were two other ministries where corruption had become rampant among officers. “Sooner, rather than later, the road will be yours. You will not only lose your jobs, but the law will also visit you,” he said.
Mr Mwanawasa also said he had worked with only one senior private secretary at State House for a long time and he had always been looking for the right people to help. The President said he had finally appointed the people he trusted but that if they thought they would be at State House to make money, they would go faster than they went there. Meanwhile, Mr Machila said in an interview that he would ensure that he addressed President Mwanawasa's task to clean the ministry without delay. He said the task was a challenge, which he needed to do diligently and aggressively.
By KASUBA MULENGA (Zambia Daily Mail 1 March 07)
PRESIDENT Mwanawasa has suspended Commissioner of Lands Frighton Sichone less than 24 hours after Minister of Lands, Reverend Gladys Nyirongo, was sacked for engaging in corrupt practices involving land allocation.
The suspension of Mr Sichone was to pave way for investigations by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) into the alleged corrupt practices bordering on money laundering. Mr Mwanawasa made the disclosures at State House yesterday when he swore-in the new Minister of Lands, Mr Bradford Machila, permanent secretary in the Office of the Vice-President, Dr Austin Sichinga, Citizens Economic Empowerment Commissioners, Industrial Relations Court deputy chairman, Mwiinde Siavwapa and two senior private secretaries at State House, Rabson Chilufya and Alfred Sakala.
“Rev Nyirongo gave out land to herself, two plots to her husband, two other plots to her son and two more plots to her daughter.
So, I felt that the matter should be investigated,” Mr Mwanawasa said. “I have asked the Drug Enforcement Commission to investigate the matter. And because of rampant corruption at the Ministry of Lands, which is now stinking, I directed the Inspector-General of Police last night to seal off the premises,” he added. He said the ministry's premises would remain closed until investigations were completed.
The President also said that Rev Nyirongo illegally gave out 25,000 hectares in Mpika to a foreigner, contrary to his directive that any piece of land exceeding 1,000 hectares should not be given out without consulting him. He said he disapproved the allocation of the huge tract of land to a foreigner, but Rev Nyirongo went ahead with the process of issuing title deeds.
Mr Mwanawasa said also said he took into consideration Rev Nyirongo's allegations against Mr Sichone and that was why he decided to suspend him to pave way for investigations. He has since asked the new minister to quickly identify an officer who would take over from Mr Sichone.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice-President, Bernard Namachila, has been transferred to the Ministry of Lands. The President said he suspended Ms Mukuka Zimba, as permanent secretary in the same ministry after reports of her alleged involvement in corrupt practices although he was of the view that she would be cleared so that she could take back her position. However, due to reasons only known by herself, Rev Nyirongo continued piling up allegations against Ms Zimba so that he made it difficult for her to return.
Mr Mwanawasa said even after he appointed Mr Sichone to act as permanent secretary, Rev Nyirongo got furious and started making several allegations against him. “Many people at the ministry have amassed wealth through corrupt practices and they have been reporting each other. The minister reported the Commissioner of Lands but other people within the ministry also reported her. All I can say is that there is no order among thieves,” he said.
The President was also disappointed that Rev. Nyirongo approached Minister of Home Affairs, Ronnie Shikapwasha, DEC commissioner, Ryan Chitoba, and Anti-Corruption Commission director-general, Nixon Banda, over her allegations against Mr Sichone. He wondered why of all the people, Rev. Nyirongo also sought audience with First Lady, Maureen Mwanawasa over the same matter and what role Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha could play in the corruption allegations at the ministry. Mr Mwanawasa appealed to workers at the ministry to report any corrupt practice to Secretary to the Cabinet, Joshua Kanganja, or his private secretary for legal affairs so that investigations could be instituted. He said there were two other ministries where corruption had become rampant among officers. “Sooner, rather than later, the road will be yours. You will not only lose your jobs, but the law will also visit you,” he said.
Mr Mwanawasa also said he had worked with only one senior private secretary at State House for a long time and he had always been looking for the right people to help. The President said he had finally appointed the people he trusted but that if they thought they would be at State House to make money, they would go faster than they went there. Meanwhile, Mr Machila said in an interview that he would ensure that he addressed President Mwanawasa's task to clean the ministry without delay. He said the task was a challenge, which he needed to do diligently and aggressively.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Forestry Department’s closed doors….by I.P.A. Manning
There is much talk in Zambian civil society of the necessity for dealing with civil service corruption and apathy. The Forestry Department, once one of the finest in Africa, its roots laid in the soil of an England of 1066 and the creation by William the Conqueror of game and forest reserves – in 1215 embraced in Magna Carta, appears intent on continuing its degradation: local and national forests encroached, watersheds pillaged, illegal logging countenanced, complaints of the sale on 99 year leasehold to speculators ignored, community leaders who object, fobbed off.
On 8 February, I once more accompanied a member of the community who are objecting to the alienation to a businessman of the West Mvuvye National Forest No. 54 by the Nyimba District Council and the Ministry of Lands – an illegal action as state land may not be sold, to find that the Director, Anna Masinje again refused to see us, and the Chief Extension Officer, Sangalube, who had only two weeks previously promised to take action, would not even venture forth from his desk to greet us. As in other parts of government civil society critics and whistleblowers are not very welcome.
Of course, the Forestry Department, in common with all of the Zambian Government, receive substantial funding from donors. In the case of Forestry, the Fins have long been prominent; at present funding the Provincial Forestry Action Programme Phase 2, which involves establishing collaborative management regimes in forest reserves. Perhaps the Fins don’t know of the illegal alienations, of the attempts for three years by our community trust to enter into a joint forest management agreement with the Forestry Department and having the land sold from under us, of the failure of the Forestry officers to investigate this and other complaints, of the illegal logging by the Chinese in Eastern Province…the list goes on.
My community colleague cannot, unfortunately, hang on in Lusaka; his money is running out, and he needs to return to his village to see if there is anything left there from the massive flooding of the Luangwa river. His family will be huddled in the trees, his crops washed away, the school flooded, but he will come again, and with help stay a little longer, perhaps make a nuisance of himself, learning a little of what is needed to help his people out of dire poverty.
8 February 2007
On 8 February, I once more accompanied a member of the community who are objecting to the alienation to a businessman of the West Mvuvye National Forest No. 54 by the Nyimba District Council and the Ministry of Lands – an illegal action as state land may not be sold, to find that the Director, Anna Masinje again refused to see us, and the Chief Extension Officer, Sangalube, who had only two weeks previously promised to take action, would not even venture forth from his desk to greet us. As in other parts of government civil society critics and whistleblowers are not very welcome.
Of course, the Forestry Department, in common with all of the Zambian Government, receive substantial funding from donors. In the case of Forestry, the Fins have long been prominent; at present funding the Provincial Forestry Action Programme Phase 2, which involves establishing collaborative management regimes in forest reserves. Perhaps the Fins don’t know of the illegal alienations, of the attempts for three years by our community trust to enter into a joint forest management agreement with the Forestry Department and having the land sold from under us, of the failure of the Forestry officers to investigate this and other complaints, of the illegal logging by the Chinese in Eastern Province…the list goes on.
My community colleague cannot, unfortunately, hang on in Lusaka; his money is running out, and he needs to return to his village to see if there is anything left there from the massive flooding of the Luangwa river. His family will be huddled in the trees, his crops washed away, the school flooded, but he will come again, and with help stay a little longer, perhaps make a nuisance of himself, learning a little of what is needed to help his people out of dire poverty.
8 February 2007
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Zambia Minister orders arresting illegal land dealers
A Zambian minister has issued an order to arrest the illegal land dealers, Zambia Daily Mail reported on Saturday.
Home Affairs Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha Friday told Inspector- General of Police Ephraim Mateyo to investigate and arrest criminals illegally allocating land in Lusaka and other cities in the name of political parties.
"One area that requires your immediate professional action is the illegal allocation of land in Lusaka and other cities. With immediate effect, you shall deal very hard ... and I mean very hard with these criminals who are illegally selling and allocating land," said the minister.
"You must go out and arrest these criminals, including their leaders, who are working behind scenes at the Lusaka City Council and the Ministry of Lands. You must work very closely with the Anti-Corruption Commission and other investigative agencies to remove these criminals from society," he said.
He made the order in Lusaka at Lilayi Police College at the parade of 30 cadet assistant superintendents and 591 recruit constables.
He said there are too many complaints of illegal squatters on other people's land that has title.
"These are also criminals, even those who have constructed illegally," he said.
The minister said he wants the police to arrest those "whether they are MMD (ruling party), PF (opposition party), UDA ( opposition party), UPND (opposition party) or ULP (opposition party) cadres or whatever party. They are criminals because they have broken the law and, therefore arrest them and bring them before the courts of law."
Home Affairs Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha Friday told Inspector- General of Police Ephraim Mateyo to investigate and arrest criminals illegally allocating land in Lusaka and other cities in the name of political parties.
"One area that requires your immediate professional action is the illegal allocation of land in Lusaka and other cities. With immediate effect, you shall deal very hard ... and I mean very hard with these criminals who are illegally selling and allocating land," said the minister.
"You must go out and arrest these criminals, including their leaders, who are working behind scenes at the Lusaka City Council and the Ministry of Lands. You must work very closely with the Anti-Corruption Commission and other investigative agencies to remove these criminals from society," he said.
He made the order in Lusaka at Lilayi Police College at the parade of 30 cadet assistant superintendents and 591 recruit constables.
He said there are too many complaints of illegal squatters on other people's land that has title.
"These are also criminals, even those who have constructed illegally," he said.
The minister said he wants the police to arrest those "whether they are MMD (ruling party), PF (opposition party), UDA ( opposition party), UPND (opposition party) or ULP (opposition party) cadres or whatever party. They are criminals because they have broken the law and, therefore arrest them and bring them before the courts of law."
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Attorney-General cancels National Forest lease...
Mr Sangalube, Chief Forest Extension Officer in the Forestry Department, reported to Axon Lunga, Chairman of the Luembe Community Resource Board, that the Attorney-General of Zambia had cancelled the 99 year leasehold tenure on the traditional Mwape customary area part of the West Mvuvye National Forest which had been fraudently awarded to Mr Zaheer Patel by the Ministry of Lands, a notoriously dishonest Ministry, where files, like black rhino, go missing.
The remaining part of the forest has been alienated to a Mr Tom Younger and a Mr Andrew Baldry, to the Senior Chief Luembe, and a small share held by the community. The Department of Forestry will shortly be cancelling title on this area. Only a few days ago, Chief Luembe and his Kapasos (messengers) entered the area to obtain bushmeat - an illegal activity. A court action to be held in Kabwe to remove the present chief from office will shortly be held.
The remaining part of the forest has been alienated to a Mr Tom Younger and a Mr Andrew Baldry, to the Senior Chief Luembe, and a small share held by the community. The Department of Forestry will shortly be cancelling title on this area. Only a few days ago, Chief Luembe and his Kapasos (messengers) entered the area to obtain bushmeat - an illegal activity. A court action to be held in Kabwe to remove the present chief from office will shortly be held.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
The Chairman of the Luembe Headmen's Association says ...
Today the Chairman of the Luembe Headmen's Association, Patson Lungu, said in Lusaka that he would shortly call a meeting of all the headmen in the Luembe Chiefdom to discuss the illegal alienation of the Mvuvye National Forest No. 54 to so-called investors by Senior Chief Luembe - one, Francis Kalungu Njobvu, whom the community wish to remove and have replaced by Devalias Phiri Besa. Lungu said that he would hold another meeting with the Zambia Anti-Corruption Committee, and, after the Headmen's meeting, would petition Parliament to undo the illegal alienation by corrupt elements within the Nyimba District Council, the Forestry Department and the Ministry of Lands. He expects shortly to be joined by Mr Axon Lungu, Chairman of the Luembe Community Resource Board, a Board empowered under the Wildlife Act of 1998.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
West Mvuvye National Forest No. 54 Illegal Alienation
The Chairman of the Luembe Community Resource Board reports that Messrs Tom Younger and Andrew Baldry visited Snr Chief Luembe again recently in order to obtain more land, and were unsuccessful. It appears that the pair have obtained a renewable 99 year statutory lease on that portion of the National Forest which formerly was Luembe customary land. In order for National Forest to be sold, it needs to be de-gazetted with Parliament's approval. This has not been done. Apparently the local community have received a 20% share in the scheme - through an Association. This illegal alienation, as well as the illegal alienation of that part of the National Forest formerly part of the Chief Mwape customary area has been reported to the Commission for Investigations, to the National Movement Against Corruption (NAMAC) and shortly as a petition to Parliament by the Chairman of the CRB and by the Headman's Association of Luembe. The Luembe Conservancy Trust, which applied for a Joint Forest Management Agreement with the Forestry Department in order to develop a participatory conservationa and development scheme two years ago, has to date received no reply to its application, clearly now having been overtaken by current events. Despite numerous contacts with Foresty - particularly its regional representative, Bwalya Chendaoke, they appear to be taking no action.
Senior Chief Luembe is now the subject of an application for an Interim Injunction in the High Court for Zambia under the Chiefs Act (Cap 287 of the Laws of Zambia) restraining the respondent Francis Kalunga Njobvu from acting as Chief Luembe. the plaintiff is Devallias Phiri Besa. Recently the head of the Yendwa clan, Senior Chief Mboroma visited Luembe and travelled to Mwape for a meeting of the Nyendwa chiefs to discuss the issue.
posted by ipam @ 8:44 AM 0 co
Senior Chief Luembe is now the subject of an application for an Interim Injunction in the High Court for Zambia under the Chiefs Act (Cap 287 of the Laws of Zambia) restraining the respondent Francis Kalunga Njobvu from acting as Chief Luembe. the plaintiff is Devallias Phiri Besa. Recently the head of the Yendwa clan, Senior Chief Mboroma visited Luembe and travelled to Mwape for a meeting of the Nyendwa chiefs to discuss the issue.
posted by ipam @ 8:44 AM 0 co
Saturday, November 18, 2006
The Luembe Community Resource Board complain to the Department of Forestry
Last week, Axon Lungu, Chairman of the Luembe Community Resource Board and trustee of the Luembe Conservancy Trust, which represent the community on wildlife and natural resource matters, visited the Department of Forestry in Lusaka to complain of the corruption which has occurred with regard to the alienation of part of the West Mvuvye National Forest to a businessman, of the failure of forestry to take action, and of the ongoing attempts of Chief Luembe, Baldry and Younger - with the conivance of Forestry officials, to make use of that part of the forest presently not alienated. He was unable to see the director, saw a more junior officer who promised to give him and answer in the forthcoming week.
West Mvuvye National forest news...
Two weeks ago, Senior Chief Luembe, accompanied by ex-Councillor Whiteson Njobvu, Messrs Balrdy and Younger, and two investors, came into the West Petauke GMA and passed the Malone camp of Mbeza Safaris stating that they had not been allowed to pass through the Nyamadzi Game Ranch by Derrick van Staden in order to visit the West Mvuvye National Forest, and would visit it from the opposit bank. On the return of the party, the chief informed Maloone staff that the investors wished to employ cooks and drivers.
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