Chipata Municipal Council forgets approving the construction of a church building at Mchini graveyard in 2011.

Dilika Ward Councillor, Alberto Phiri says the church building that has been constructed in Mchini graveyard was legalized by the council.
Speaking on a live radio programme on Breeze FM, Mr. Phiri said that he is aware about the existence of the church building in the graveyard following authority from the council.
He explained that in 2011, when he was Dilika ward development committee chairperson, the committee gave the land to the church and the decision was approved by the council despite concerns from residents.
Last week, Chipata Municipal Council spokesperson, Toanga Kaonga promised that the local authority will investigate the matter and find out how the church acquired land to build in the graveyard.
The existence of a church in the graveyard has continued raising concern among residents of M’chini who are now asking the council to give the church another land away from the graveyard.
The residents have wondered why such a decision was taken, when the cemetery is still being used for burying people.