Senior Chief Muchinda Kankomba Welala III of Serenje District, Central Province, has directed all individuals holding title deeds and occupancy documents for land and mines in his chiefdom to submit copies of their documents along with the Chief’s consent for verification.
The Chief instructed that documents be submitted through the Chairman of the Chiefdom Trust Committee and the Chiefdom Secretary within 14 days.
The directive was communicated through Chiefdom Secretary Eliud Katyoka in a statement issued by the chiefdom communications office.
Senior Chief Muchinda warned that failure to submit the required consents will compel the Chiefdom to seek legal redress in accordance with Section 3 of the Lands Act, Chapter 184 of the Laws of Zambia.
The directive follows meetings with key stakeholders, including the District Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Lands, Zambia National Farmers Union and Serenje Town Council.
The Chief expressed gratitude to Minister of Lands, Sylvia Masebo, for advising investors and farmers to ensure they obtain the necessary consents from Chiefs.
Senior Chief Muchinda expressed concern over reports of defenceless elderly men and women being unfairly displaced by investors over the past 14 years, when the Chiefdom was without a traditional leader.
“The move will enable the Chiefdom to initiate a land audit in the interest of patriotism and provide proper leadership,” the Chief said.
He noted that the demand for land by both locals and migrants has placed the Chiefdom under scrutiny, creating significant challenges.
Senior Chief Muchinda emphasized that acquiring title deeds and licences without written consent from the Chief is unlawful and will be addressed according to constitutional law.
He added that, where consents are not received, the Chiefdom will request cancellation of title deeds through the Ministry of Lands and the land will be returned to the Chiefdom.
Meanwhile, Trust Committee Chairman Raphael Lesa revealed that the land audit found that most displaced local occupants do not possess the required consents.
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