The Zambian government announced plans on Thursday to demolish illegal settlements throughout the country, an action expected to leave several thousands of people homeless.
President Levy Mwanawasa’s Cabinet endorsed the plan to destroy illegal informal settlements that have mushroomed in urban areas recently, especially in the capital Lusaka, Information Minister Vernon Mwaanga told reporters.
He said the demolition programme had already been started in Lusaka by the local authority with the backing of the Cabinet.
”Government will therefore continue with the demolitions that were started in Lusaka,” Mwaanga said.
”The exercise will not be restricted to Lusaka alone but will include all towns throughout the country,” Mwaanga said.
”We will use whatever means necessary to enforce and uphold the law.”
Neighbouring Zimbabwe carried out a similar exercise in 2005 that left thousands of people homeless and attracted widespread international condemnation, including from the United Nations.
Zambia’s main opposition Patriotic Front draws most of its support from the urban poor, particularly in Lusaka’s informal settlements. – Sapa-AFP