PLANNED ALLOCATION OF 6 MILLION HECTARES OF LAND TO AN INVESTOR CRITICIZED 

By Patricia Mbewe

The Zambia Land Alliance has opposed the planned allocation of 6 million hectares of land to VIETZAM Diversified Development Corporation Limited, a Vietnamese investor for a 99 years lease.

Alliance Executive Director Patrick Musole says allocating such huge hectares of land to one company for the next 99 years does not only go against the spirit of the national lands policy, but is irresponsible.

The proposed 99-year project by the VIETZAM Diversified Development Corporation Limited will be implemented in Luapula, Muchinga and Northern Provinces of Zambia.

However, Mr. Musole says much as the alliance believes that Zambia needs foreign direct investment to unlock its development potential, the country’s natural resources should be used in a responsible manner, and in line with its laws and policies.

He explains that objective no. 5 of the national lands policy provides regulating access to land for non-Zambians, and limit extent and tenure of land lease for non-Zambians.

Mr. Musole is therefore calling on the Zambia development agency to work in close collaboration with the ministries of lands and agriculture to ensure that this and other projects are aligned to national laws and policies.

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