• Construction of flats in Chichele plantation. Pictures by YVONNE CHATE.

By MILDRED KATONGO –

THE mere mention of Chichele plantation evokes sour memories for some people who lived in Ndola in the 1970s and the ‘80s.
This is a huge plantation which was used by criminals who terrorised innocent citizens, while motorists were waylaid and their belongings seized.
Chichele is a plantation that Zambia boasts of and is situated along the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriageway.
It was in this area where United Nations Secretary General  Dag Hammarskjoeld, who was on a peace mission, died in a plane crash on September 18, 1961.
To that effect, many buildings have been constructed in his honour.
Over the past years, the plantation was used as a hideout for criminals instead of its intended purpose.
Being a thick forest, criminals murdered and dumped people in Chichele plantation.
The place used to be a no-go area for the people in Ndola as it was known as the hub for criminal activities.
However, the story is different today as the plantation has received a facelift with the construction of schools, companies, roads, houses and agriculture projects that have come up.
The area had been de-gazetted and both residential and commercial plots were given out to people interested in acquiring land.
A number of residents have had their livelihood upped due to farming activities and some have found Chichele plantation a real home.
Urban agriculture practices have been undertaken to improve food security and nutrition.
A check by Copperbelt Times revealed that there is development in terms of farming activities and construction of houses and schools.
Willem Portigieter was found building flats at one of the plots given to the residents.
Mr Portigieter has developed the land and has embarked on a fish farming project.
Just like any other resident who has found a place there, Mr Portgieter described the numerous changes that have taken place in Chichele.
“This place was a thick forest and criminals killed and dumped people in here. We used to fear to be found anywhere near this place, but today we are here and we have developed the land,” he said.
Apart from the farming activities, it is in the Chichele plantation where the first ever Ndola Girls Technical School has been put up.
Mr Portgieter said the fish farming project accompanied with the construction of flats would see his business succeed.
“We are constructing 10 flats and that is the two-storey building. Apart from that, we have a fish farming project,” he said.
Due to the increase in demand for fish and fish proteins, fish farming has become a popular activity in the area.
Fish farming involves raising fish in ponds enclosures, usually for food.
With the coming up of more infrastructure and farming activities within Chichele plantation, the area is earmarked for greater development.