Suspected cadres of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) have been accused of illegally allocating land to themselves at the historical Old-beit Stadium in Chipata City, sparking widespread concern among local authorities and residents.
A visit at the stadium by Diamond News found cadres have already dug foundations and are preparing to construct buildings without obtaining the necessary site plans from the Chipata City Council.
The brazen disregard for the law has raised alarm bells, with former Chipata City Mayor Patrick Teleka Chirwa denouncing the illegal activities.
Chipata City Council Public Relations Officer Eddie Ngoma has categorically distanced the council from any involvement in the land allocations, stating that the local authority has not sanctioned any development at Old-beit Stadium.
Eastern Province UPND Youth Chairperson Lyson Nyirenda has also distanced the ruling party from the illegal activities.
By Samuel Khwawe