By Esther Chisola
Luapula Province Chief’s Council has rejected the proposed investment by Viet-Zambia Diversified Development Cooperation Limited.
And the council has also dispelled public claims suggesting that the chiefs of the Province sold or allocated six million hectares of land for rice investment project to Viet.
The council further urged the government to review the relevant land laws to ensure only Zambians had access to lengthy lease periods saying the council cannot allow the allocation of land to foreign investment for a period of 99 years.
Council chairperson Chief Chisunka (Dr) said Luapula Province does not have the proposed land of 2 million hectares to be allocated to one investment.
In a statement, Chief Chisunka indicated that the proposed tax exemptions were not supported, stressing that it would result in loss of revenue for the councils and the government.
“We cannot allow one company to have a monopoly in the rice production sector. We do not believe that the company has financial capacity to develop the proposed project,” he stated.
Chief Chisunka further stated that the council felt the project was not in good faith stressing that most of the documents reviewed showed that the company was involved and more interested in mining and not agriculture.
“We would like to urge the government and all stakeholders to respect the wishes of the Royal Highnesses and not use any laws or legislations that will not work for the best interest of the Zambian people such as the compulsory acquisition of land Act,” Chief Chisunka stated.
He stated that the council cannot allow their dambos and swamps to be titled as they were common use areas for their subjects and were recharge point for their rivers.
Chief Chisunka was speaking on behalf of 21 other Luapula Chiefs who included senior Chief Puta, senior Chief Mununga, Chief Kashiba, Chief Kamwali, Chief Kampemba and Chief Lubunda.
Others are Chief Mutipula, Chief Chimese, Chief Matanda and Chief Mibenge among others.
