Showdown looms over Kalundu Mall

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 10:34:57 +0000

CONTROVERSY over the construction of the Kalundu Mall in Lusaka has deepened with the surrounding community now warning of a possible showdown with the Chinese for allegedly resuming construction without meeting conditions set by ZEMA.

According to some of the conditions by ZEMA which were supposed to be met by Shumeite before continuing with their project, the company was supposed to ensure that it got consent from immediate neighbours.

Construction was previously halted for flouting construction rules and regulations.

However, the company has resumed construction without meeting many of the conditions directed by ZEMA.

This has enraged the residents who have threatened to take the law in their own hands as Government institutions that were supposed to protect their interests had allegedly failed to live up to their expectations.

One of the immediate neighbours, Mr Mutale Mulenga, said despite the resumption of works, none of the neighbours had been approached and consented to the construction of the mall.

Mr. Mulenga said the community was dismayed at the forth-and-back antics by some Government institutions over the matter even when it was clear that construction procedures were flouted with impunity and has warned of a showdown with the Chinese if nothing was done.

“ZEMA outlined conditions for construction works to resume but they have not met most of these conditions and are building. Does it mean that ZEMA has consented?

“Who has allowed them to go ahead when they have not met most of the conditions set for them? We are now mobilising ourselves as the community and no one should blame us when we take the law in our own hands because those that should help us are not doing anything,” he asked

Mr Mulenga explained that the Minister of Local Government, Mr Vincent Mwale, gave them permission on account that they met ZEMA conditions.

ZEMA also directed that all levels of noise and vibrations from project activities were supposed to be monitored frequently and that Shumeite was supposed to report all incidents with the potential to pollute the environment and harm human beings to the environmental agency.