PF leaders scramble for houses

Friday, May 20, 2011

 

From ALEX NJOVU in Chingola
 
GOVERNMENT has unearthed a scam in which some top Patriotic Front (PF) officials in Chingola’s Mushishima area are allegedly trying to corruptly acquire ZCCM-IH houses following President Banda’s directive that outstanding balances on the units be written off.
This was brought to light when Chingola district commissioner Tobias Maliti addressed over 200 residents at Mushishima Basic School yesterday.
“Government has unearthed a scam in which some top PF officials in Kabungo ward wanted to take advantage of people in the settlement by buying the houses through corrupt means. Some of them started giving the houses to their daughters and other family members at the expense of the deserving sitting tenants,” Mr Maliti said.
He said some PF top officials are scrambling to buy the houses.
Mr Maliti said authorities have grabbed the house that PF Kabungo ward councillor Richard Katebe allocated himself and the property has been given to the sitting tenant
He said it is disappointing that individuals who have been criticising President Banda for empowering the vulnerable with housing are now trying to use corrupt means to acquire the houses.
“We are not saying PF members cannot benefit from the houses because they are also Zambians. What we are against is a situation where PF officials are taking advantage of their positions in certain areas to disadvantage other Zambians.
“These are the same people who condemned President Banda for empowering Zambians with houses, yet they are now in the forefront trying to benefit from the houses,” Mr Maliti said.
He said President Banda will continue implementing prudent policies to eradicate poverty in the communities.
He advised the PF not to politicise development programmes.
Mr Maliti warned that he will firmly deal with individuals who will use corrupt means to acquire houses in Mushishima.
But Mr Katebe said he has not benefited from the houses, and that he does not live in the area.
He said it is unfortunate that some people are trying to tarnish his image through accusations that he is trying to corruptly acquire houses.
Mr Katebe also said it is important for opposition political parties and Government to work together to develop the country.