Disclose the proposed NRDC project, Mwenda tells Govt

…says development must not come at the expense of the law, transparency and public interest. By NATION REPORTER ECONOMIC Freedom Fighters (EFF) president Kasonde Mwenda has demanded full disclosure on the proposed development of land at the Natural Resources Development College (NRDC), saying any disposal of the institution’s land must strictly follow the law. Mr Mwenda said while development was important, it should not be done outside the legal framework or without the participation of Zambians. “We do not expect lawlessness because development is important, but it should not be done outside the law,” Mr Mwenda said. He said the public should be given full information about the proposed project, particularly because NRDC land had been a contentious issue for a long time. Mr Mwenda said there should be transparency and accountability in any transaction involving the land to ensure that development was sustainable and benefitted Zambians. “We are demanding that there be full disclosure on the NRDC proposed project. The rule of law should be respected and upheld. Zambia is still a constitutional democracy,” he said. Mr Mwenda said if there were other developers interested in the project, the process should be opened to competitive bidding to ensure fairness and public participation. “If there are other developers who would be interested, they should put it to a bid so that people bid. People participate in the development. It should not be left only to a few privileged people,” he said. He said institutions such as NRDC had been preserved over the years and should not be disposed of in a manner that benefited only a few individuals. “We want development, but it should be done right so that every Zambian benefits,” Mr Mwenda said. He said the key issue was whether the law was being followed in the proposed development. Meanwhile, University of Zambia Professor Boniface Namalanga said although he had considerable interest in the matter because NRDC fell under UNZA, he was constrained to comment on the issue.

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Osayopa mfwiti, kulibe mfwiti – HH

Osayopa mfwiti, kulibe mfwiti – HH