By JOHN KOMBE
THE Anti-Corruption Commission has seized a property in Silverest area of Chongwe belonging to former Minister of Gender, Elizabeth Phiri.
This was after investigations by the ACC during which it emerged that the property No. L/23202/M, which was designated for construction of a clinic, was allegedly corruptly acquired by Ms Phiri contrary to Section 34 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act of No. 3 of 2012.
ACC spokesperson Queen Chibwe said according to the Act, it was an offence for any person to acquire any public property and divert it from its intended use or purpose for their benefit or the benefit of other individuals.
Ms Phiri has since built a two-storey house on the plot which was originally earmarked for construction of a government clinic for the Silverest community in Chongwe.
The Muslim community had supported the construction of the clinic by donating and sinking a borehole on the plot.
“In 2010, the government designated the said plot for a clinic but to date, the Silverest community does not have a health facility in the area,” Ms Chibwe said.
She said the ACC had since recorded a warn and caution statement from Ms. Phiri.
The seizure of the property plot has elated Chongwe residents who have described the move as long overdue.
Silverest residents committee chairman, Nicolas Nswana disclosed that the residents have been fighting for the plot for over four years.
Mr. Nswana was happy that the community which had no clinic had a ray of hope with the development.
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