Government says no developmental project involving displacement of community members should proceed without proper assessment, fair compensation and measures to restore the livelihoods of affected people.
Speaking during a dissemination and awareness engagement on the Revised National Resettlement Policy of 2024 and the Proposed Resettlement Management Bill of 2026 in Mkushi, Resettlement Division Permanent Secretary in Office of the Vice President, Marvis Nkomeshya, says the reforms demonstrate government’s commitment to promoting a rights-based approach to resettlement.
Ms Nkomeshya, in a speech read for her by Director for Resettlement, Cooper Chibomba, said the revised policy and proposed bill represent government’s commitment to establishing a more coherent, predictable, accountable and rights-based framework for managing resettlement in Zambia.
“The Resettlement Management Bill seeks to ensure that no project involving displacement proceeds without proper assessment, an approved Resettlement Action Plan and clear arrangements for compensation, livelihood restoration and grievance redress,” she said.
Ms Nkomeshya stressed that compensation for affected persons must be fair, adequate and paid before resettlement occurs.
“Resettlement must not be imposed on people without due process, transparency and accountability. Unplanned displacement creates avoidable suffering and undermines development outcomes,” she noted.
The Permanent Secretary said the government would ensure that resettlement should not merely replace physical structures but should also restore and, where possible, improve the livelihoods of affected persons.
“No Zambian should be made poorer by the progress of the country. No community should be excluded from the benefits of development taking place on or around their land,” Ms Nkomeshya said.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Programme Specialist, Chali Selisho, said development-induced displacement should only be considered as a last resort.
Ms Selisho said UNDP supports the Zambian government in ensuring that national development is achieved without compromising the rights, dignity and well-being of citizens, especially affected communities.
“Where resettlement cannot be avoided, it must meet clear standards. It must be lawful, participatory, transparent and non-discriminatory,” she said.
And Mkushi District Administrative Officer, Lucy Chilanga, said the policy would help minimise land-related conflicts, promote accountability and safeguard the rights of displaced persons.
Ms Chilanga said the framework would also ensure that development benefits all citizens, particularly vulnerable members of society.
Speaking on behalf of participants, Gershom Musonda, welcomed the proposed bill, noting that several people in the district had been displaced due to mining activities without proper compensation.
Mr Musonda expressed confidence that the proposed legislation would address such challenges and protect affected communities.
The meeting which was organised by the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) in partnership with the UNDP brought together government officials, private sector representatives, Civil Society Organisations and members of the community to discuss practical resettlement challenges and propose solutions.
