THE directive by Mines and Minerals Development Minister Richard Musukwa to copper mines regarding the issue of land encroachment and demolition of illegal structures gives testimony to a bigger problem regarding land allocation.
It is unfortunate that more and more citizens opt to take the route of squatter’s rights in their bid to own a piece of land of their own.
The mines minister has advised mining firms who own large swathes of idle land to increase security measures to keep out people instead of the current situation where the mines call on the council to facilitate the demolition of houses, some of which have even reached up to roof level.
Mopani has suffered encroachments in almost all their premises in Kitwe. In August over 600 houses in Luyando community in Mindolo were demolished as they were built illegally on mine land.
Mr Musukwa said in Kitwe that there was need for the mining firm to ensure that all properties were protected before people could invade and cause problems.
He, therefore, urged Mopani to invest in security so that unscrupulous people could not build structures on mine properties.
Mr Musukwa said it was important for Mopani which was the license holder of the premises to secure the land and avoid challenges with the people.
The Minister further advised the mining firm to have a social license to operate.
This would entail a better relationship with the community around the mine’s property.
It would be in the best interest of the mining firm to ensure that residents are fully aware of the boundaries of the land to avoid encroachments.
The Mines minister said it was important for the firm to engage the community in a manner that would make them feel part of the mine investment.
It is unfortunate that the people encroaching on the private land believe that they could perpetuate an illegality by insisting on staying on the land.
We commend Government for intervening in the impasse between the mine and the community.
Some displaced families were given alternative land to build on, while others still insist that they acquired the land legally from the council.
Such claims are unfortunate because by nature land issues are quite emotive. Many citizens aspire to own a home of their own and this is only possible through construction on one’s plot.
Time and time again, people have used crooks law in settling on land in the hope that they will be awarded ownership after putting up a permanent structure.
It is a terrible risk to take, but in some instances the risk pays off.
However, in the case of Mopani Mine land, encroachment of the land puts up a security and safety risk that should be appreciated by all.
Mr Musukwa further advised the community to support investment as well as investors to ensure that operations of the mines were running smoothly.
“People need to respect the law and ensure that they do not invade licensed areas. And the biggest security Mopani can put in place is to talk to the people,” he said.
It is hoped that this land wrangle will be a thing of the past and that the mining firm takes heed of the Minister’s advice.
