Ndola’s Chichele squatters to give way to new airport

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 09:12:36 +0000

GOVERNMENT is facing a challenge to relocate more than 200 settlers from the Chichele forest area which is earmarked for the construction of the new Copperbelt international airport in Ndola, says provincial permanent sectary Reverend Howard Sikwela.

Speaking in Ndola when Minister of Transport and Communication Brian Mushimba paid a courtesy call on him, Rev. Sikwela said the land reserved for all displaced farmers was not yet ready.

He said the development had become of major concern because the rainy season was approaching and farmers needed to start cultivating.

He said because of the construction activities on site, the settlers whose major income was farming, had been advised not to undertake any agricultural work on the land.

Mr Mushimba said Government was alive to the fact that the farmers were critical to the country’s food basket.

He said Government would ensure that all the displaced farmers were relocated soon.

Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport manager Joseph Mumbi said that the current airport was facing the challenge of limited handling infrastructure as it had seen remarkable growth in its capacity.

Briefing Mr Mushimba, who was touring the facility, Mr. Mumbi said the current airport could not be expanded because the land reserved for the purpose had been encroached on and the township surrounding the facility had reached the airport boundary.

Mr. Mumbi said the airport was also facing a major challenge of aged infrastructure as it was still using military structures constructed in 1938.

He explained that the increased traffic had slowed down security check-ups, causing passengers to queue outside.

Mr. Mumbi expressed optimism that once the construction of the new greenfield airport was completed, it would offer a lasting solution to the many challenges that the current airport was facing.