PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has cautioned newly appointed Commissioner of Lands Shadreck Mbewe against corrupt land allocation practices, adding that land belongs to all Zambians and not just a privileged few.
Speaking during a press a Swearing-In Ceremony at State House yesterday, President Hichilema placed Mbewe under immediate public scrutiny and declared that both the public and government will be closely monitoring every decision made regarding land allocation.
The Head of State further warned that there was no land left in State Lodge area and therefore, the commissioner needed to stay away from giving title deeds on state property.
“Commissioner of Lands, you are under scrutiny just from today,” the Head of State said. “Your steps will be watched, who you meet, who you give land to, especially if it’s a bogus title deed on top of an existing one. Citizens will be watching.”
The President said digital platforms were being introduced to ensure transparency and expose underhanded deals in the allocation of land.
He warned that any attempt to solicit bribes in exchange for favours would be found out.
“If you take money from someone for a favour, it’s a matter of when, not if. You will be exposed. Where I come from, we say even walls have eyes and ears,” he said.
President Hichilema pointed out long standing irregularities at the controversial State Lodge area, where plots have allegedly been rezoned and allocated unlawfully, including land belonging to State House.
“Really? Someone takes land in State Lodge, which they already know is a controversial area and still goes ahead to rezone and allocate it to their friends? And signs a title deed on land that belongs to the state?” he asked.
“Under this president? Aikona! You don’t survive when you do those things.”
President Hichilema instructed the lands commissioner to clean up the State Lodge mess, calling it a problematic area riddled with questionable land dealings over many years.
He specifically cited attempts by Chongwe Council to rename parts of the area in a bid to legitimise irregular allocations.
“As Commissioner of Lands, it must be in your head that there cannot be new land in State Lodge. It’s not possible. Don’t put a title on top of a title, talema (we are tired), he said.
The President said land accessibility remains a key issue, particularly on titled state land and stressed the need to properly open up new land for allocation through collaboration with traditional leaders.
He noted that land should be treated as a national asset and an economic tool for all Zambians, not as a gift for political allies or well connected individuals.
“We will work with you to open new land on title, working with traditional leaders. I will be meeting them so they can make land available which you can subdivide properly.”
“Let us clean lands. There’s a lot of hanky-panky going on there. You were carefully selected, with many citizens recommending you. Make them proud,” stressed President Hichilema.
The President called for land titles to be used productively, instead of becoming sources of legal wrangles.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, July 23, 2025
