Land Minister halts all forms of development in Itimpi Forest

Lands and Natural Resources Minister ELIJAH MUCHIMA has halted all forms of development in Itimpi Forest in Kitwe District on the Copperbelt Province

Mr. MUCHIMA’s directive is based on the fact that the council did not follow procedure in allocating the plots prior to the 2021 General election.

He says government follows laws and will not allow any illegality to take place.

Elijah Muchima, has recently taken a bold step in halting all forms of development in the Itimpi Forest located in Kitwe District on the Copperbelt Province. This decision was made due to the fact that the council did not follow the proper procedure in allocating plots within the forest prior to the 2021 General Election.

The Itimpi Forest is a vast and lush green area that covers thousands of hectares of land in Kitwe District. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many endangered species. The forest is also considered a major source of livelihood for the local communities, who rely on its resources for their daily needs, such as food, water, and firewood.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand for land in the Itimpi Forest, leading to a rush of developers seeking to build settlements and other structures within the area. This, in turn, has raised concerns about the potential loss of the forest’s natural resources and the impact it could have on the local communities.

This is where Elijah Muchima’s decision to halt all forms of development in the Itimpi Forest comes into play. He believes that the council did not follow the proper procedure in allocating plots within the forest prior to the 2021 General Election, which is a clear violation of the law. As the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, he is committed to ensuring that government follows the laws and will not allow any illegal activities to take place.

In a statement, Mr. Muchima said, “The government of Zambia is committed to protecting the natural resources of our country and preserving our environment for future generations. The Itimpi Forest is a vital part of our heritage and it is our duty to protect it. We cannot allow anyone to flout the laws and exploit this precious resource for their own gain. All forms of development in the Itimpi Forest will be stopped until a proper and thorough investigation has been conducted.”

The Minister’s decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some local communities welcoming it, while others feel that it could impact their livelihoods negatively. However, Mr. Muchima has assured them that the government will work with them to find alternative sources of livelihood, and that the protection of the forest is in their best interest.

The Itimpi Forest is a valuable resource for Zambia and must be protected for future generations. The government’s decision to halt all forms of development in the forest will allow for a proper investigation to be conducted and ensure that the laws are followed. This will help to protect the environment, the flora and fauna, and the local communities who rely on the forest for their daily needs.

In added that the Lands and Natural Resources Minister’s decision to halt all forms of development in the Itimpi Forest is a commendable step towards preserving Zambia’s natural resources and ensuring that they are protected for future generations. This decision shows the government’s commitment to the environment and its determination to uphold the law.