BCC, MHC tussle over Chimwankhunda Dam

Blantyre City Council (BCC) says there are misunderstandings between itself and Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) regarding Chimwankhunda Dam.

The revelation comes amid reports in electronic media that BCC and MHC are locked in a legal battle over the ownership of the dam.

But in an interview on Wednesday, BCC spokesperson Anthony Kasunda said while there are misunderstanding between the two over the dam, there is no legal battle.

“There has been a misunderstanding between the council and MHC not only regarding Chimwankhunda Dam, but also other recreation parks, including Njamba Park,“ he said.

However, Kasunda did not go into details on the misunderstandings.

When contacted, MHC spokesperson Enerstina Yobe said there is no dispute between the two bodies.

“There is no dispute over the ownership of Chimwankhunda Dam and neither is there a court case on the issue,” she said.

Yobe said MHC owns the land and the dam was only leased to BCC on condition that they pay ground rentals and take care of it.

“The lease was re-entered in 2012 due to other issues and the dam is being managed by MHC after the re-entry,” she said.

Yobe further said the lease was re-entered because BCC was in default in ground rentals and the dam was not being taken care of.

“The dam now belongs to MHC following the re-entry,” she ascertained.

Nevertheless, Kasunda said the matter was referred to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development for direction.

“As a council, we will respect the position as directed by the government. So once we receive communication from ministry, the public will be informed,” he said.

Situated in Soche East in Blantyre, Chimwankhunda Dam is slowly being reduced to a swamp due to lack proper management.  n