Over 500 villagers to be displaced in Chief Kapatamoyo’s area in Chipata.

A serious land wrangle is brewing in Chief Kapatamoyo’s area in Chipata as more than 500 people face being displaced.
This follows a decision by government to turn farm D116 into an industrial cluster, which might also accommodate residential plots.
However, the move has not been well received by villagers, who have accused Chipata Municipal Council of getting land where they have been staying for a long time.
Former Msandile Ward Councillor, Hanille Jere told Breeze News that villagers, peasant farmers and retirees who have settled in the area have nowhere else to go.
Ms. Jere alleged that traditional leaders in the area have refused to sell the large piece of land because they are interested in protecting the interests of their subjects.
But when contacted for comment, Council Public Relations Officer, Taonga Kaonga says that the local authority was given a directive by Ministry of Lands to re-plan the area.
Ms. Kaonga says that the land in question is an industrial cluster, which will also accommodate some residential plots.