The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has met with traditional leaders in Katima Mulilo to address the removal of local authority councillors and other governance concerns, following allegations of irregular practices.
The meeting was convened after councillors reportedly exchanged land for vehicles, despite directives from the ministry to halt such transactions. Sankwasa said the council had been given sufficient time to explain and rectify the situation but failed to comply.
“The council was given ample opportunity to provide explanations and correct their actions. Unfortunately, those directives were ignored,” Sankwasa stated.
However, Litunga George Mamili VII of the Mafwe Traditional Authority expressed concern over the manner in which the decision to remove councillors was handled. He argued that traditional authorities should have been consulted before such action was taken.
“We believe traditional leaders should have been informed before the removal of the councillors,” Mamili noted.
Adding to the discussion, Fumu Joseph Mayuni of the Mashi Traditional Authority highlighted the region’s slow pace of development, saying this remains a pressing concern for local communities.
In response, Sankwasa clarified land ownership laws, explaining that municipal land falls under government authority, whereas traditional authorities maintain custodianship over communal land.
The engagement signals the government’s effort to restore accountability within local councils while maintaining collaboration with traditional leadership in the Zambezi Region.
