30 Kanyama families get occupancy licences

THE Lusaka City Council (LCC) has issued occupancy licences to 30 households in Kanyama’s ward 10.

Speaking when he handed over the licences to the beneficiaries at Twashuka grounds in Kanyama yesterday, Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa said the occupancy licences were security of tenure to people of that area.

Mr Sampa said many people in unplanned settlements risked being evicted due to lack of security, therefore, it was gratifying that people would now be protected by the licences.

“People in peri-urban areas are threatened because of the urbanisation exercise which is taking place. Many don’t have security and they can be evicted at any time. It is good that people get occupancy licences for security purposes,” Mr Sampa said.

Mr Sampa said with the occupancy licences, people become rightful owners of land and urged all residents to take keen interest to apply.

He noted that the occupancy licences being issued would last for 30 years.

“The occupancy licences we are issuing to you people will last for about 30 years. This means the generation to come will be protect because no one will claim to be the owner of your land,” Mr Sampa said.

People in peri-urban areas are threatened because of the urbanisation exercise which is taking place. Many don’t have security and they can be evicted at any time.— Miles Sampa

Speaking at the same event, United Nations Habitat Senior Human Settlements Advisor Thomas Chirama said the organisation had offered financial support in the on-going programme to capture as many people as possible.Mr Chirama said so far about 18,000 households had been captured in the area and would be issued with occupancy licences.