ASSURED: Kalomo residents told to remain calm over eviction orders

KALOMO residents awaiting their fate in the mass eviction orders from forest reserves, have been advised to remain calm as the matter was still being discussed.

District Commissioner Cosmas Chiiba has assured that discussions regarding the eviction of the over 40, 000 people who have encroached Kalomo hills forestry area are underway.

He reassured the residents in an interview that despite being issued with eviction letters, consultations with various stakeholders will be undertaken before further actions are implemented.

Mr Chiiba said the eviction notice was prematurely done by the district forestry office.

“Yes letters of eviction were given to the residents by the district forestry office. Unfortunately these were issued prematurely before engaging stakeholders,” he said.

Mr Chiiba said there is need to engage Government through the Ministry of Lands and forestry to see how best the residents can be assisted in the area once the plans of eviction are finalised.

“Schools are there in the area, clinics are there so its upon us to come up with a suitable plan and that is why we are seeking more engagement and the involvement of government,” he said.

Mr Chiiba said suitable and strategic plans will need to be implemented through the consultative meeting as the area contains public infrastructure.