17/10/2025
NYUU: Zambia Army offers new land to encroachers, paving way for solar project
IN a show of goodwill and commitment to fostering peaceful civil-military relations, the Zambia Army has amicably resolved a long-standing land dispute involving illegal settlers on its Lusaka West property by offering them alternative land.
The affected piece of land has been earmarked for the construction of a 30-megawatt solar energy plant, a joint project between the Zambia Army and Kiyona Energy Limited aimed at boosting the country’s renewable energy capacity.
For years, illegal settlers had encroached on the land, erecting makeshift houses and occupying the area without authorization. But rather than resorting to forceful eviction, the Zambia Army opted for a more diplomatic and humanitarian approach.
Today, the Army, together with the Ministry of Defence, held a mutual engagement with the settlers to chart a peaceful way forward.
The meeting was led by Zambia Army Deputy Director of Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Phiri, and Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala, alongside other senior officers.
As part of the agreement, the Army’s Survey Department has already subdivided the alternative land, and offer letters have been distributed to the affected families.
This marks the beginning of a structured relocation process designed to ensure a smooth and dignified transition for the settlers.
Lieutenant Colonel Phiri emphasized that the decision reflects the Army’s commitment to maintaining harmony with communities while safeguarding its strategic assets.
“We believe in engaging communities and finding solutions that respect both the law and human dignity,” he said, TV Yatu learns through Buffalo reporter of the Zambia Army.
©️ TV Yatu October 17, 2025.