Farmers Protest Land Use Change After Key Access Road Blocked in Livingstone’s Kasiya Resettlement Area

 CHALI MULENGA

Livingstone

Farmers in the Kasiya Resettlement area have raised alarm over the closure of a key access road following a controversial land use change approved by the local council.

The affected farmers, led by Mr. Kantu Kantu, have accused the Livingstone City Council of disregarding due process and failing to consult stakeholders before authorizing the development.

Speaking to journalists on-site, Kantu, a long-time resident and farmer in Sehena Tevere, expressed concern over the closure of the road which connects the farming community to the main Livingstone–Lusaka Road. The road services over 500 farmers, as well as schools and public facilities within the resettlement scheme.

“The road has been blocked because a private developer was granted permission to change the land use from agriculture to mixed-use,” said Kantu. “We were not consulted. When we found out, we followed procedure and petitioned the council. But instead of addressing our concerns, surveyors showed up and closed the road.”

The disputed land was reportedly part of the degazetted Dambwa Forest, which included Zambia Railways land. Kantu claims that there is no record showing the land was officially transferred to the council, raising questions about the legality of the allocation.

“The council cannot allocate land that doesn’t belong to them,” Kantu stated. “Zambia Railways representatives came to investigate and confirmed they had not transferred ownership.”

Residents are particularly aggrieved that public funds under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) were used to grade and improve the access road, only for it to be blocked off by the developer. “Taxpayer money was spent on this road. Now it’s marked as private property and we are not allowed through,” Kantu lamented.

He also alleged that the council failed to conduct a mandatory site visit before approving the land use change and ignored historical data that shows the road existed as early as 1958 and was used by Zambia Railways to access their railway lines.

“The council has failed us. We followed the law, submitted our objections in writing, but they never responded. We want the government to come down to the ground and see how we are suffering. There is no alternative route provided for us to reach our farms or the main road,” he said.

The farmers have vowed to continue peaceful engagement with authorities but are calling on higher government offices to intervene urgently to prevent disruption of agricultural activities in the area.

Efforts to get a comment from the Livingstone City Council were unsuccessful by press time.

A farmer of Natebe area has expressed deep disappointment over the abrupt closure of a public access road leading to his farmland, saying the decision was made without consultation and threatens his livelihood.

Alfred Siamuntu, who holds a valid 99-year lease on Plot Number 16 in Natebe—issued on March 1, 2012—says he was shocked to learn that the road, developed using Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources, has been closed off without due process.

“I have paid all my legal fees and have a valid title deed. It is frustrating that such a key access route to my land can be blocked without my knowledge or input,” Siamuntu told reporters during a site visit.

He noted with concern that the road closure appears to be linked to the Zambia Railways land corridor, raising questions about how the local council could allocate land within such an area without proper coordination or public engagement.

“I was never consulted, and now I’m left wondering how a road funded through public resources like the CDF can just be shut down without proper consultation or explanation,” he said.

Siamuntu has now appealed for presidential intervention, stating that the situation calls for high-level attention to safeguard the rights of legally settled landowners and ensure fair access to public infrastructure.

“The President needs to intervene. This is about fairness, proper land governance, and ensuring that farmers like me can continue to work without unnecessary obstacles,” he added.

As the matter unfolds, other affected residents in Natebe have also begun voicing concerns, calling on the Ministry of Local Government and relevant authorities to clarify the status of the road and land in question.

Local authorities were not immediately available for comment at the time of publication.

A land allocation controversy in Kasiya Ward, Livingstone, has sparked outrage among local farmers, who fear being cut off from their farms due to the blocking of a critical access road by a private developer. Ward Councillor Sidney Mwamba has called on the Livingstone City Council to urgently intervene and revise the land plan to protect the livelihoods of more than 500 affected farmers.

Speaking during a site visit, Councillor Mwamba described the situation as “very sad” and “unfortunate,” revealing that the issue dates back nearly two years and that community complaints have largely been ignored.

“This is an access road to the clinic, the school, and to the farms,” Mwamba said. “How do you close a road without providing an alternative? The council is making decisions without consulting the people who are most affected.”

Mwamba disclosed that he was not informed when land in his ward was allocated to private developers, including land along the Zambia Railways reserve area and another stretch reportedly given to ZESCO employees. He emphasized that the community, including himself as an elected official, had been left out of the process.

“I was only told after surveyors were already on the ground placing beacons. No one consulted me, not even a courtesy call,” he said. “Now the community thinks I am part of this illegality.”

Farmers in the area have submitted petitions and written letters to the council, opposing the development, but their concerns remain unresolved. Mwamba confirmed he has copies of the letters and has personally raised the issue with council authorities, but said no meaningful action has been taken.

“This road is the lifeline for our farmers. Blocking it off will create serious tensions. I fear this might escalate into conflict between the developer and the local community,” he warned. “We don’t want people to take the law into their own hands.”

The councillor appealed to the Livingstone City Council, especially the town clerk, to urgently replan the land and preserve the road.

“Let’s do the right thing for our people. Leave the road. Whatever plans are in place, they must not come at the expense of community livelihoods and access to essential services.”

Farmers in Kasiya Ward say they will continue pushing for a resolution, but fear that their pleas may once again fall on deaf ears.

The Livingstone City Council has responded to concerns raised by farmers in Kasiya, clarifying that the disputed land is under legal title and urging farmers to use the designated access road created by the local authority.

Farmers in the area have petitioned the council, opposing a private developer’s activities on land they claim belongs to the community. Despite the protest, the council has confirmed that the developer holds legal title to the property and followed due process in obtaining approval for change of land use.

“Kasiya is an unplanned settlement and also a farm block, so it’s expected to find farming activity there,” said Council Public Relations Manager Melvin Mukela. “But the land in question is legally owned, and the developer has the right to determine how it is used.”

Mr. Mukela explained that while there were informal footpaths used by farmers, these passed through private land. To address the access challenge, the council, using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), created a formal road to serve nearby facilities such as the Kasiya Clinic and Natebe Dam.

“That road was agreed upon in consultation with the landowner and was created to serve the community without infringing on private property,” he said. “The farmers are free to use this road, but they should not create new paths across someone’s titled land.”

He emphasized that the beaconing of the land by the developer was within his rights and was done to protect the property. However, this action did not block the access road agreed upon and constructed by the council.

“As a local authority, we are currently working on replanning all unplanned settlements, including Kasiya, to avoid future disputes and ensure orderly development,” Mr. Mukela added.

The council has urged farmers to refrain from encroaching on private land and instead use the designated road to access their plots.
 

Chali Mulenga

  Journalist, Blogger, Media consultant.

 

260 955 390 898/0967
260 979 777136
Livingstone, Zambia
facebook/ chali mulenga
twitter/mulimule  
https://chalimulengalivingstone.blogspot.com/

 Disclaimer:

 This e-mail and any attachment are confidential and contain
proprietary information, some or all of which may be legally
privileged. It is intended solely for the use of the individual or
entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended
recipient, please notify the author immediately by telephone or by
replying to this e-mail, and then delete all copies of the e-mail on
your system. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not use,
disclose, distribute, copy, print or rely on this e-mail.
 

Livingstone Mayor Calls for End to Period Shame at Menstrual Hygiene Day Commemoration

CHALI MULENGA

Livingstone

Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai has called for an end to period shame, urging communities to unite in creating a period-friendly world.

Speaking during the Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 commemorations at Mwandi Community School, held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”

Ms Muleabai challenged menstrual stigma and encouraged girls to embrace their menstrual cycles with confidence.

“We should not feel ashamed to be girls. Men will stop attacking us if we start being proud of our periods,” she said, addressing pupils, teachers, and advocates from the Pad-A-Girl Campaign, which organised the event.

Ms Muleabai said there was a need for women and girls to pay attention to their menstrual health and manage their periods with dignity and preparedness.

The commemoration included the distribution of sanitary pads to pupils, alongside a campaign to promote menstrual health education and tackle period poverty.

Praising the Pad-A-Girl Campaign for its work in empowering girls through access to hygiene products, Ms Muleabai said:

“Schools like Mwandi must be safe spaces where girls are supported, not sidelined. Too many still miss class each month due to lack of pads. This must change.”

She urged girls to track their cycles and seek support when needed.

 “Be aware of your body and prepare. Menstrual health is your right, not a privilege,” she said.

Ms Muleabai also pledged to expand access to menstrual products in public institutions and called on parents and communities to play an active and supportive role.

“Let parents support their daughters, and God will bless you. We must all stand together,” she said.

Pad-A-Girl Campaign director Estrol Meleki, of the Estrol Meleki Foundation, also he reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to menstrual dignity.

“Real change starts at the grassroots—in schools and communities like ours. No girl should miss school or suffer in silence because of menstruation,” he said.   

He praised the mayor’s attendance as a signal of leadership’s role in advancing menstrual equity.

 “Your worship, your presence sends a powerful message that no girl should be left behind due to her period,” he said.

Mr Meleki stressed that breaking taboos around menstruation requires collaboration among government, civil society, and communities.

He acknowledged that significant challenges persist, particularly in rural areas, where access to hygiene products remains limited and cultural stigma endures.

 

“To the girls of Mwandi Community School—your dreams are valid. Menstruation is not a limitation; it is a sign of strength,” he said.

He called on the need to normalise conversations about menstruation and to invest in sustainable menstrual health solutions.

“Together, we can—and we will—build a period-friendly world,” he said.

The Pad-A-Girl Campaign continues to distribute sanitary products, run awareness programmes, and advocate for menstrual equity across underserved schools and communities in Zambia.

 End 

a 41 year old arrested for beating 5 year old

 

CHALI MULENGA 

Livingstone 

 Police in Choma have arrested a 41-year-old woman for allegedly assaulting her 5-year-old niece, leaving the child with swollen legs and severe bruises along her back.

Southern Province Commanding Officer Auxensio Daka said the incident was reported on April 24 by a concerned resident of Shampande township.

He confirmed the incidence which happened in Choma. 

He said the abuse, which is believed to have taken place between January and April 2025, allegedly involved repeated beatings using a stick.

Mr Daka said the suspect, identified as Scentia Hanchancha of Shampande B township.

He said the suspect told police that the beatings were punishment for the child frequently soiling her clothes. 

He said the young girl is now in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare, as authorities have not yet located any close relatives to take her in.

Mr Daka said the police have opened a case docket and issued a medical report form for the victim. 

He said Hanchancha was apprehended shortly after the report and is currently in police custody.

Mr Daka said she is expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to child assault.

He called on members of the public to report any suspected cases of child abuse in their communities.

End 

Be a KK”: Joseph Moyo’s Passionate Plea on Zambia’s Founding Father’s Day

Chali Mulenga*  

Livingstone

 Zambia celebrates Founding Father’s Day, also known as KK Day, one voice has risen sharply above the rest, urging Zambians to reflect not just on history — but on conscience.

Joseph Moyo, a respected human rights defender and vocal citizen advocate, has called on Zambians to use this public holiday not for recreation or routine political platitudes, but for deep introspection and renewed commitment to national service, integrity, and humility — the very principles embodied by Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, the country’s founding president.

“We must stop romanticizing the past and start embodying it,” Mr Moyo said in a statement issued from Livingstone. 

“To honor KK is to live like KK. 

That means rejecting corruption, serving with humility, and placing the people above personal gain.”

KK Day, observed on April 28, commemorates Dr. Kaunda’s legacy as Zambia’s independence leader and first president. 

The day often sees government-organized memorials, speeches, and cultural events across the country. But Moyo fears the deeper meaning is being lost.

 “We’ve turned it into another holiday — beach trips, BBQs, shopping sales,” Mr Moyo said.

 “But KK never lived for those things. He lived for us — for the people. So the real way to honor him is to ask: Would KK approve of the Zambia we’ve built today?”

He drew a contrast between Kaunda’s selfless leadership and what he described as the growing “entitlement culture” among many of today’s political leaders and civil servants.

Mr Moyo recounted how Kaunda, even after leaving office in 1991, lived modestly, remained accessible to ordinary Zambians, and was never implicated in corruption. 

He relied on public health services, lived in a humble residence, and turned down opportunities for personal enrichment.

 “KK did not steal from the nation. He did not enrich himself. He did not accumulate properties. And when he left power, he didn’t cry foul or incite division — he stepped aside with grace,” Moyo said. “We don’t see that anymore.”

He emphasized that Dr. Kaunda was offered a house in Malawi after his presidency but turned it down, later accepting one built for him by an ordinary Zambian based in England.

 “That alone should teach us everything we need to know about his character.”

Without naming names, Mr Moyo took a swipe at the current political class, accusing them of distorting democracy into a transactional affair where power is sought not to serve but to enrich.

“It is now common to see politicians with fleets of luxury vehicles and mansions barely months after getting elected,” he said.

 “They prioritize tenders and kickbacks over classrooms and clinics. That is not KK’s Zambia.”

He warned that such behavior risks undoing the hard-won unity and moral foundation Kaunda laid.

“KK believed in One Zambia, One Nation — and he practiced it. Today, we are fracturing along tribal, economic, and political lines for short-term gain.”

Mr Moyo’s message was not just directed at politicians. 

He urged every Zambian — from civil servants to business leaders, students to faith leaders — to embody the KK spirit.

“You don’t have to be president to be a KK.

 If you run a market stall and treat customers fairly, you are being a KK. If you refuse to take a bribe, you are being a KK. 

If you speak up for justice and dignity, you are being a KK.”

He encouraged youth to learn more about Kaunda’s life — not just as a political leader but as a philosopher, a Pan-Africanist, and a humanitarian who valued love and peace above power and wealth.

“Dr. Kaunda led this country with a white handkerchief, a Bible, and a guitar — not with a whip or a gun. He used his heart. So let KK Day remind us to lead with love.”

Mr Moyo challenged leaders to mark KK Day not with elaborate speeches but with policy and personal action: 

helping the poor, fighting corruption, improving public services, and building a Zambia that would make KK proud.

“Today, I ask all of us — are we worthy of KK’s legacy? Or are we just clapping in his memory while betraying everything he stood for?”

He left Zambians with a resonant parting shot:

 “Don’t just say happy KK Day. Live it. Be it. Be a KK.”  End

From Park to Pavement: Climate and Encroachment Drive Elephants Into Livingstone

CHALI MULENGA
Livingstone

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) has raised growing concern over the escalating human-wildlife conflict in Livingstone, fuelled by urban encroachment, climate change, and the unique layout of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Gertrude Mutale, Regional Extension Officer under the Community-Based Natural Resources Management Unit at DNPW, outlined these challenges during a community engagement session, calling for greater public awareness and cooperation.

Ms Mutale explained that Mosi-oa-Tunya, Zambia’s second smallest national park at just 6 square kilometres, lacks a Game Management Area (GMA)—a designated buffer zone to enable coexistence between wildlife and humans.

“Unlike larger parks such as Kafue, which is surrounded by eight GMAs, Mosi-oa-Tunya is exposed. This absence greatly contributes to the frequency of wildlife straying into human settlements,” she said.

She added that illegal settlements have emerged along the park’s border, further worsening the situation. Communities like Nakatindi and Kashitu lie dangerously close, placing residents directly in the path of wildlife, particularly elephants.

“These elephants don’t just damage crops; they destroy property, kill livestock, and, tragically, have claimed human lives,” Ms Mutale said. She noted that elephants are now being sighted in unexpected areas, including the city centre, Highlands, and along Airport Road.

Climate change has compounded the problem, she added. During the dry season, food becomes scarce in the park, forcing elephants to forage in residential areas.

“They look for mangoes, maize, and any available vegetation. This makes encounters inevitable—and often dangerous.”

Despite these risks, Ms Mutale stressed the importance of wildlife conservation.

“Conservation isn’t only about preserving animals for tourism. It’s about safeguarding a national resource that contributes significantly to Zambia’s economy. Revenue from tourism supports infrastructure, healthcare, education, and community development.”

She said the DNPW is actively addressing the conflict through strategic interventions and continued community engagement.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC) has pledged support for legal reforms to address the growing tensions between communities and wildlife in Livingstone and surrounding areas.

ZLDC Director Hope Chanda revealed that the Wildlife Act is under review and affirmed the commission’s active role in ensuring it reflects the realities on the ground.

“How do councils allocate land? Should the Wildlife Authority have a say in this process, particularly in conflict-prone zones? What legal options should exist when people lose crops, livestock—or lives? These are questions we must urgently address,” she said.

Ms Chanda emphasised the need for communities to benefit from surrounding land and wildlife without compromising environmental sustainability. She also underscored the urgency of preserving biodiversity for future generations.

“We want our children in 2030 to see elephants in the wild—not just in photographs. They should walk among trees and grasslands that bring rain, not just remember them.”

Environmentalist Benjamin Mibenge also urged residents and institutions in Livingstone to rethink their relationship with nature, especially its smallest and often overlooked creatures.

He reminded the public that every Friday is set aside for cleaning in Livingstone, with the last Friday of each month dedicated to joint community efforts led by various institutions.

“When you burn litter in your yard, you don’t realise how much wildlife you’re destroying,” he said. “We often think of elephants and lions when we mention wildlife, but the small creatures are just as vital.”

He highlighted ants, bees, snakes, frogs, and even house lizards as unsung heroes of the ecosystem.

“Ants decompose particles, enriching the soil for grass to grow—grass that elephants need. Bees pollinate plants, helping trees and crops thrive. Snakes regulate rat and frog populations.”

Mibenge lamented the decline in frog populations in Livingstone, particularly during the once-vibrant months of September and October, as a troubling sign of environmental imbalance.

He also raised concerns about poorly planned residential areas, where pit latrines are located too close to boreholes. “In sandy soil, contamination spreads quickly,” he warned. “It’s unsafe.”

Liswaniso Calls for Greater Youth Inclusion at UPND Mass Rally in Livingstone

Livingstone, Saturday — United Party for National Development (UPND) National Youth Coordinator Gilbert Liswaniso has urged the party leadership to prioritize the empowerment of youths, calling them the true foot soldiers of President Hakainde Hichilema (HH).

Addressing thousands of enthusiastic youths at a mass rally held at Maramba Stadium, Liswaniso emphasized that young people have remained loyal and are ready to defend the party’s vision into the future.

“Youths are the real friends of HH. We are in the office of the President, and we want to make him even more popular,” Liswaniso said. “But some people in office today are not helping us. They have failed. They are not cadres — we, the youths, are the true cadres. When we request help, they ignore us.”

He called on the President to take action against officials who have sidelined the youths, urging HH to replace them with individuals who understand the needs and aspirations of young people.

“This is not church — this is politics. We are here to benefit too. We are ready to work. If they want to enjoy alone, they should know that when HH wins again, it will be because of the foot soldiers — the youths.”

Liswaniso also spoke on the need for amendments to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Constitution, saying the changes would create opportunities for more youth involvement, especially in skills training programs.

“Our constituencies are too big, and we want to benefit from the CDF. Skills training should be for us, the youths, in HH’s office. We are the ones who should be lifted up.”

He reiterated that the unity between HH and the youths must be preserved, urging forgiveness among members in Livingstone to strengthen the party's base.

“Let us unite and forgive each other. HH loves the youths and the people of Zambia. The good things happening are because of you — the youths.”

Liswaniso encouraged young people to start preparing to contest elections in 2026 and beyond, noting that true political change would take time.

“We were in the opposition for 23 years. We know that the real elections — the ones that will truly shape Zambia’s future — will be in 2041. Until then, we must stay strong and loyal.”

He concluded with a rallying call: “Go and tell the President — we, the youths, are ready to campaign for him. We will give him the people he should work with. We are ready for the opposition, and we are ready for victory.”

The youth rally marked a spirited show of strength for the UPND's youth wing as they pledged continued support for President Hichilema ahead of the 2026 elections.

Youth Revolution: Empowerment Initiative Ignites Namatama Ward

In a bold leap for youth empowerment, the New Hope Waves-ZOE Empowers Programme is shaking up Namatama Ward  with a dynamic rollout designed to transform lives. 

Executive Director Auldridge Chibbwalu announced the launch with unmistakable energy, emphasizing that this is not just another project—it’s a game changer.

At the event, Mr Chibbwalu thanked local officials, community leaders, pastors, and parents for opening doors and lending support. 

“We came to your office to report our progress, and today we celebrate the fruit of that vision,” he declared. 

The programme, already lighting up 11 countries, has set its sights on empowering 200 youths and 8 mentors through a powerful package: 41 startup kits worth K4,000 each, 167 microgrants of K3,000 apiece, and specialized training provided by local experts to 32 beneficiaries.

Mr Chibbwalu’s message was punchy and clear: this is only the beginning. 

“This dream, once thought impossible, is now a reality in our community—and we’re ready to take it further,” he proclaimed. 

With the financial boost and hands-on mentorship, the initiative aims to spark a wave of entrepreneurship that will ripple through neighboring communities, inspiring more young people to take charge of their futures.

The atmosphere was electric as community leaders and stakeholders rallied behind the programme.

 With such robust backing, Mr Chibbwalu assured everyone that the momentum in Namatama Ward will soon spread, promising an even brighter future for Zambia’s next generation.

End