Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 18th April, 2025.
Chongwe, Lusaka Province, Zambia
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Sylvia T. Masebo, has urged traditional leaders to take a firm stance in protecting customary land from exploitation by unscrupulous actors posing as investors.
Speaking during the official handover of the newly constructed Lusumpuko Primary School in Katoba Ward, Hon. Masebo emphasized the urgent need for chiefs to act as guardians of their people’s inheritance by scrutinizing land transactions and rejecting deals that lack transparency or long-term community benefits.
“Too often, we see individuals coming into rural areas with empty promises of development, only to acquire land at undervalued prices and disappear—leaving behind broken promises and displaced families,” the Minister cautioned, citing Njolwe Ward as a cautionary example.
She called on traditional leaders to adopt a more strategic view of land as a foundational asset for sustainable development, rather than a commodity for short-term gain. “Your decisions today will determine whether your grandchildren have a place to call home tomorrow,” she added.
Addressing the broader community, Hon. Masebo, who also serves as Chongwe Member of Parliament, encouraged residents to remain vigilant against misinformation, particularly as the 2026 general elections approach. She reiterated that the UPND government is delivering tangible results through programmes such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Social Cash Transfer, and Cash for Work initiatives.
Highlighting the importance of education as a pillar of national development, Hon. Masebo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education in rural areas. She announced plans to upgrade Lusumpuko Primary School to a secondary school, aligning with the free education policy championed by President Hakainde Hichilema.
The newly completed 1×3 classroom block has already transformed learning conditions in Katoba, increasing enrolment from 86 to 210 pupils. Headteacher Mr. Katongo Moses Chiwala welcomed the development, noting the positive impact on both learners and staff.
“As we build infrastructure, we are also building the future,” Hon. Masebo said, pledging continued support to enhance school facilities and teacher deployment in the region.
This event reflects the Ministry’s broader mandate to promote responsible land governance while ensuring that national development reaches every corner of Zambia—without compromising the rights and dignity of its citizens.
Picture Credit: Cs Media House.
The Agency.