Businesspeople speak against filthy MHC plots

Businesspersons in Mzuzu have asked Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) to tidy up its plots near St Andrew’s CCAP Church in the city.

Chenda Hotel and Suhana Continental Bakery directiors said neglected waste on the overgrown plot poses health and security risks.

In an interview on Tuesday, Chenda Hotel director Ruth Mkandawire said some passers-by relieve themselves in the bush in the central business district.

“Apart from frequent break-ins by thieves who hide in the plots, we lose business because of the foul smell which gets into our rooms, making customers feel uncomfortable. We ask MHC to quickly clear the mess,” she said.

Mkandawire blamed MHC for abandoning the plots after demolishing the old houses “without  plans”.

Continental Bakery sales manager Fletcher Nkhoma said some customers have stopped buying from the firm because of the stench and Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) has threatened to seal the bakery unless the situation improves.

Clement Mhango, a resident of the city, said the bush puts children, who pick rotten foodstuffs there, at risk of hygeine-related infections.

In an interview, MHC public relations officer Ernestina Lunguzi said its regional office in the North  will take up the matter.

Mzuzu City Council chief executive officer McLoud Kadammanja said they  are waiting for instruction from MHC to clear the mess. n