By Rahim Abdul
Concerned citizens in Chiradzulo District have challenged the district council over its alleged failure to protect environmentally sensitive areas from encroachment.
The concerns were raised during a stakeholders’ interface meeting organised by the Chiradzulo District Council in collaboration with NGO Coalition for Child Rights to assess the council’s development performance.
One of the stakeholders, Sheikh Amir Jaafar Kawinga, accused the council of failing to stop people from cultivating land, constructing houses and conducting business in protected areas.
Kawinga said hillsides, road reserves and other protected sites continue to be encroached upon despite the existence of laws meant to safeguard the environment.
He also expressed concern over continued farming in areas that previously hosted fish ponds, saying the practice reflects weak enforcement of environmental regulations.
Responding to the concerns, Chairperson of ChiradzuloDistrict Council, Councillor Aliki Naphiyo, acknowledged the challenges but said the council has intensified civic awareness campaigns on environmental conservation.
Naphiyo said the council remains committed to ensuring that all development and construction projects comply with existing environmental and planning regulations.
He further urged community members to work hand in hand with the council by reporting individuals who illegally occupy or develop protected land.
NGO Coalition for Child Rights representative Veronica Nkhani described the meeting as an important platform that allowed citizens to openly question duty bearers on issues affecting their communities.
Nkhani said such engagements strengthen transparency, accountability and public participation in local governance and development.
Residents of Chiradzulo have for years experienced persistent water shortages, with local authorities attributing part of the problem to environmental degradation, particularly the destruction of vegetation on Chiradzulo Mountain.
The stakeholders’ meeting ended with renewed calls for stronger enforcement of environmental laws and greater collaboration between the council, communities and civil society organisations to protect natural resources and promote sustainable development.
