Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has noted the high risk and corruption vulnerability presented by the high number of unregistered and unregulated estate agents operating in the land sector in Zambia.
TI-Z Executive Director Maurice Nyambe in a statement said TI-Z has therefore taken the initiative to support the publication of the dully registered estate agents as issued by the Zambia Institute for Estate Agents (ZIEA) under gazzette notice No. 732 of 2023, which was published on the 1st of June 2023.
He said Under the Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability focus area, TI-Z has been strengthening transparency and accountability in climate financing, land access and environmental governance, and it is as part of this work, TI-Z has noted the rampant advertisement of large portions of land along major highways without following the due process and the escalating number of people defrauded during the process of acquiring land in many parts of the country. Furthermore, a recent study into the nature of corruption and money laundering in Zambia revealed that unregistered and unregulated real estate agents are conduits for corruption.
Mr. Nyambe further explained that the real estate dealers are facilitating for the laundering of corruption proceeds through the purchase and sale of properties.
“TI-Z also urges all members of the public to report to the ZIEA, Zambia Police Service, Anti-Corruption Commission, Drug Enforcement Commission or TI-Z though our social media and online pages any unregistered estate agents who are operating without valid certificates and involved in corrupt or questionable land dealings,” he said.
