Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Government is saddened by the demolition of houses in Kitwe’s Mufuchani area by the Kitwe City Council.
Chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili in a statement says what is even more regrettable is that the council took this action in the middle of the rainy season.
Mr. Kambwili says this action is not only unacceptable, but inhuman and demeaning to the affected families.
He says Government is aware of the rampant illegal land allocation by some council officials at Kitwe City Council and will not allow such desperate attempts to cover-up their illegal dealings.
Mr. Kambwili states that at no point did Local Government and Housing Minister Steven Kampyongo during his recent visit to Kitwe direct the council to demolish people’s houses, but ordered a stop to any further construction of structures in the area.
Mr. Kambwili says Government is therefore directing the Kitwe City Council to immediately find accommodation for the affected families as the local authority looks for alternative land for them.
Meanwhile Government has reiterated its directive to school authorities in Government boarding schools countrywide to reduce boarding fees with immediate effect as recently directed by the ministry General Education.
Mr Kambwili says Education is a basic right and that school fees should not be an inhibition factor for children to access it.
He has since called on parents countrywide to report head teachers who may be dragging their feet to effect the directive as no child should pay more than the prescribed fees.
Mr. Kambwili says Government is concerned that fees charged in Government schools are beyond the reach of the poor and rural based learners.