Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Environmentalists William Harrington and Robert Chimambo say there should be no more impediments in setting up a tribunal to investigate whether or not Lands Minister Jean Kapata was in breach of the parliamentary and ministerial code of conduct Act when she acquired a small-holding plot in the de-gazetted part of the Lusaka East local forest reserve No.27.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, the duo is optimistic that the Chief Justice will do the right thing and set up a tribunal.
Mr. Harrington has disclosed that the acting Chief Justice has responded to their request for a tribunal to be set up, but that in the response, he has asked them to provide evidence.
He says they have since written back to the acting chief justice to remind him that the law does not require that they provide any evidence, but instead requires the chief justice to consider setting up the tribunal for further investigations.
And Mr. Harrington says the presidential address to parliament lacked what the people needed to hear with regards the issue of forest 27 as it was expected that President Edgar Lungu will order the revocation of all land titles that have been issued in the area.
And Mr. Chimambo has noted that the challenges in land issues emanate from the planners who he says should be disciplined.
Meanwhile Caritas Zambia Executive Director Eugene Kabilika says the appointment of a tribunal will allow justice to prevail with regards the issue surrounding forest 27 for the sake of the present and the future generations.