Govt looking for land for 80 families evicted from Chembe bird sanctuary

By Musenge Mulimba

Copperbelt Province Minister ELISHA MATAMBO has called on 80 families that were evicted from the Chembe bird sanctuary in Kalulushi to exercise patience as the government is trying to resolve the matter.

This was after their houses were demolished and property destroyed by officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in Kalulushi in the early hours of Friday last week.

Addressing the affected residents, Mr. MATAMBO said he has engaged the Tourism Minister to ensure a suitable solution is found that will benefit both parties.

And Kalulushi District Commissioner KELLY JIBINGA hopes the matter can be resolved soon because the district has no alternative land to take the over 500 affected residents.

Meanwhile, a representative of the displaced residents, AMON KAMBEU said the residents have been living in the bird sanctuary for over 50 years and have nowhere to go.