Peasant farmers abandon settlement

By ALEX NJOVU

SEVERAL PEASANT farmers have abandoned Miyanda farming settlement in Chililabombwe district on the Copperbelt because of crime allegedly perpetrated by people from a Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The area has been abandoned following cases of theft of the residents’ crops and livestock.
Chililabombwe member of Parliament Esther Banda said in an interview that residents abandoned the area because of lack of security.
She said residents had requested police to find a solution to problems they are facing but that their complaints have not been adequately looked into.
“Miyanda farming block has been completely abandoned. There is no one in the area,” Mrs Banda said.
She said the area has fertile soil and that residents are willing to return to the area provided their security is guaranteed.
Mrs Banda said the farmers have been forced to seek refuge in Konkola township and expressed concern that poverty levels might increase if they do not grow crops and rear livestock.
She called on the Zambia Police Service to intensify patrols in the area.
And Mrs Banda said development projects in her constituency are on course but called on the government to speed up the rehabilitation of urban roads.
She said the construction of a one-stop border post at Kasumbalesa will enhance the country’s economic growth.
ENDS.