6,000 hectors secured for refugee camp

GOVERMENT has secured another 6000 hector of land for the establishment of a permanent refugee camp for Congolese asylum seekers in Nchelenge District of Luapula Province.

Speaking to the Daily Nation in a telephone interview, Commissioner for refugees Abdon Mawere said the number of refugees entering Zambia had reached 11,200 as of yesterday and was likely to increase hence, the need to expand transit centres.

Mr. Mawere said the piece of land that had been provided by Chieftainess Kanyembo will be able to accommodate up to 20,000 refugees.

He said the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) had sourced for K700, 000 to open up the new permanent camp by constructing a passable road and clearing the land.

Mr. Mawere stated that government had presented a budget to the donors and made a request to the Ministry of Finance to help them with logistics that were going to cater for all refugees entering the country.

He noted that Government and the UNHCR were already on the ground conducting a hydrological survey to ensure that the environment was safe for the people.

“We have started preparing land to shift the refugees from Kenani transit centre to a new permanent allocated refugee camp called Mantapala in Nchelenge District,” Mr. Mawere said.

He said Zambia National Service (ZNS) had also donated equipment that will accelerate works at the camp.

He urged the UNHCR to not only build temporary structures but should also consider permanent ones that will continue standing even after refugees were repatriated.

Mr. Mawere added that Government had intensified security at the boarders and have ensured that all refugees undergo screening before reaching the transit camp.