Central Province Permanent Secretary Dr Milner Mwanakampwe has appealed to traditional leaders in Mumbwa District to help stop the increasing encroachment on the Sanje Forest Reserve.
Dr Mwanakampwe says the continued illegal occupation of the gazetted forest is a source of concern, adding that some headmen are allegedly allocating land illegally within the protected area.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Chiefs Mumba, Mulendema, Kaimbudu and Moono, Dr Mwanakampwe urged the traditional leaders to educate their subjects that no individual is permitted to own or settle on land within a gazetted forest.
Meanwhile, Dr Mwanakampwe said government remains committed to improving the welfare of vulnerable households through the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Scheme.
The Permanent Secretary, who is in Mumbwa to monitor the implementation of the programme, disclosed that Government last week released K25 million for SCT payments to beneficiaries in the district.
He said the district now has 28,090 beneficiaries, up from 4,018 in 2021, describing the increase as evidence of Government’s commitment to reducing poverty among vulnerable households.
“You may wish to know that our caseload was only 4,018 in 2021. Government has shown its commitment to reducing poverty among vulnerable households,” Dr Mwanakampwe said.
He further revealed that 5,286 beneficiaries were enrolled under the nutrition component of the programme.
“Lactating mothers and households with children under the age of five receive an additional K200,” he said.
And Chief Mumba commended government for the various development programmes being implemented in the district, saying they have improved the livelihoods of many vulnerable families.
However, the traditional leader appealed to government to expedite the construction of chiefs’ palaces in the district.
“We are looking forward to the construction of the palaces,” Chief Mumba said.
