By NATION REPORTER
THE demolition of the 300 houses built on the Kasompe airstrip is a political move that was sponsored by politicians for their selfish benefits, Chingola Mayor Johnson Kang’ombe has said.
Mr Kang’ombe’s properties – house and guest house – were burnt by irate people who vented their anger on him.
He said he had recently received information that some people were paying people to paint a picture that he was the one at the centre stage.
However the demolition of the houses has taken a new twist following revelations that a British mining firm has promised to pump in about US$100 million in a mine which is located a few kilometres from the airstrip.
Economic and Equity Party president Chilufya Tayali said some senior government officials had interest in the mine that was why they wanted to demolish the houses because it was a highly coordinated move.
But Mr Kang’ombe said he knew what was happening and that he had been fought left right and centre and that he was aware that the enemies were at play.
He maintained that he was not the one who gave the people the plots as alluded by the residents of Kasompe area.
“I have just learnt that people are meeting and sponsoring the instigators which resulted in the arson,” Mr Kang’ombe said.