Kalomo extension compound residents up in arms over charges

OVER 100 Kalomo Boma extension compound plot occupants are up in arms over the council’s decision to slap a K12,750 as process charges for them to formally own the pieces of land they acquired from the lands department 10 years ago.

The compound residents who acquired residential plots through the lands department have questioned the criteria by the local authority to slap them with a two months ultimatum to pay the amount to facilitate the offer of the same pieces of land to each occupant.

Speaking on condition of anonymity when reacting to a council memo dated January 3, 2022 signed by its chief executive officer, Oswell Mpofu, the plot occupants most of them who have put permanent structures now serviced by both Zesco and water utility entities, wondered whether it was feasible for them to raise such an amount in two months.

“We paid to the lands department for the survey fees for these plots which were beaconed in 2010 and now the council as mere agents of lands are demanding K12, 750.00 within two months from each plot owner. Where can any of us raise such an amount in such a short time, let us be fair, all of us need land as an asset which one can own, this is un acceptable, they should be considerate even if they want to formalize this,” complained one plot occupants.

And Boma extension compound chairperson, Mubita Salumano acknowledged receipt of the demand notices from the council to his members but wondered why civic leaders reached to such a resolution without stakeholder’s involvement. He said the council does not want to even state its position and direction to those who may fail to pay the required amount within the two month timeframe and threatened to petition the development through the district administration.

“I write to inform you that the council at its second ordinary meeting held on Friday, December 31, 2021 and as read together with minute number PWDREC /19/11/2021 resolved to facilitate the processing of your plot documents in Boma area. However, before the documents (recommendation letter, minute extracts and annexure A form) are issued to you by the council, you are required to pay a once off of K12,750.00 and kindly note that the payment must be done within 60 days from the date indicated,” read part of the council demand notice memo issued on January, 3, 2022, signed by council secretary, Oswell Mpofu.

The memo further splits he K12,750.000 demand as K12, 000 for plot premium, K500.00 as an interview fee and a K250.00 as for minute extracts from each plot prospective owner.

However, council chairperson, Coy Makaya defended the decision saying the plots were in a high cost category and law provides for a standard two month time frame especially that the said portion of land is five kilometers away from the central business district.

He urged plot occupants to cooperate with the civic authority for them not to lose out on land ownership.