By YVONNE CHATE  –

LANDS and Natural Resources Deputy Minister Susan Kawandami has urged councils to utilise the Land Development Fund (LDF) to develop the country economically.
Ms Kawandami said the LDF programmes target the country’s development through opening up virgin land for economic development that eventually reduces poverty levels in the country.
She said the LDF is meant to benefit the local communities by uplifting their livelihood through land investment.
“The land Development Fund should be utilised because this fund is meant to benefit the local communities so that their livelihood is uplifted through investment and ultimately reduce poverty levels in the country,” she said
Ms Kawandami was speaking during an LDF familiarisation tour in Ndola yesterday.
She said it is unfortunate that there is no explanation on how the 2010 LDF was utilised.
“I want the council to help me understand how the 2010 LDF amounting to K887,000 was used and its impact,” she said
Ms Kawandami later told councils to deal strongly with land law breakers and not to be involved in the illegal acts.
She said councils should follow the right procedure of land allocation and not get involved in corrupt practices.
“I am sounding a warning to all councils involved in illegal land allocation to stop the act because all those found wanting will be in trouble, I therefore urge councils to follow the right procedure and deal with law breakers,” she said.
Meanwhile Ndola Acting Town Clerk Simasiku Malumo said the K887, 000 was used for survey works, clearing and road formation in Mitengo area.
Mr Malumo said the council used K262, 000 for survey works and 430,650 for part of the road works and while the other monies were used to finish up five per cent of the road works that the contractors could not finish.