The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has warned opposition political parties not to make the recent demolition of stalls at Lupili Market, which is across from Heroes Stadium in Mandevu Constituency, a political issue.
This demolition happened because of a court order that gave ownership of the land to a private company called SOFITEL. The purpose of this action was to secure the property after a legal disagreement that was resolved in favor of the company.
Lusaka’s Deputy Mayor, Ketty Nanyangwe, explained that the land is not public property; it was legally sold to SOFITEL by the previous government through a proper business deal.
She pointed out that the government cannot interfere with private land ownership issues, nor can it change legal agreements that the courts have upheld.
“The matter was taken to court, and the decision was made in favor of SOFITEL. The court order was then carried out by the Undersheriffs of the Lusaka High Court,” Nanyangwe said.
She also expressed worry about a protest by some traders who were affected, which caused a temporary traffic jam on the Great North Road.
Authorities have asked everyone involved to respect the law and not to use this situation for political purposes.
