Govt set to reclaim illegally acquired land

Deputy Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Abida Mia has said government will get back illegally acquired land in Zomba City (ZCC).

She said this on Monday during a familiarisation tour of Zomba City Council.

Mia said her ministry will verify ownership of plots in the country and take back those illegally acquired.

She said: “I have discovered a lot of mess in distribution and allocation of plots. Some people have right documents, but are in protected areas while some don’t have documents of proof.

“My message is clear; we will spare no officer who processed these illegal land transactions.”

The deputy minister also said government will demolish structures in protected areas without compensation.

ZCC mayor Benson Bula echoed Mia’s sentiments on illegal land transactions, saying they pose a major threat to future generations.

He said Zomba, just like other cities, has experienced illegal land sales by officers.

“The deputy minister’s visit is an opportunity for us to address these land issues,” said Bula.

ZCC chief executive officer Charles Thombozi attributed the fraudulent land sales to what he termed ‘multiple landlords’ in the city.

He said there is no clear separation of land for the city council, lands office and Malawi Housing Corporation.

“We appeal to the ministry to direct us to who is the city’s landlord so that we can reduce some of the challenges, including land wrangles,” said Thombozi.

Meanwhile, the council has asked the ministry to consider extending its boundary to accommodate various developments taking place in the city.