DRAMA: CHIEF COOMA FACES RESISTANCE FROM SUBJECTS

TEMPERS flared in Choma`s Siatembo, Monday afternoon, when Chief Cooma went to address scores of subjects over the planned construction of an airport in the area.

The trouble began immediately after a woman offered an opening prayer whose content Cooma did not agree, with the Chief temporarily opting to move the meeting to Wednesday due to what he referred to as inappropriate behavior and failure to welcome him.

He stated that the locals failed to observe the traditional clapping afforded to a Chief whenever he visits subjects and only took the efforts of elders to keep him put.

And expressing himself during the meeting, one of the residents, Elijah Ndeleki, said the plan by government to relocate locals for construction an airport is not welcome and will never be condoned.

Ndeleki demanded that government stops conducting survey works in the area as locals are not willing to relocate regardless the compensation to be received.

He said the locals should be respected for the role they played in ushering the United Party for National Development-UPND in power, as the same vote can be used against them if they go against the wish of the people.

Another Resident, Loveness Sikabanga, said Government should not dare to displace locals for the purpose of an airport as the land in questions belongs to natives.

However, Chief Cooma told the people in the area not to worry as government is open to hearing their concerns over the matter.

He urged them to allow government to continue conducting valuation works in the area as doing so does not amount to automatic removal of the people, but only enables government to know the value of the asserts therein.

Cooma stated that Siatembo is one of the two areas being considered for the airport and a final decision is yet to be made.

Byta FM