Immigration Dept office sealed for unpaid rentals

Immigration services came to a standstill in Karonga District on Monday following the closure of the offices due to outstanding rentals.

In an interview, the building’s owner John Sichilima said he sealed the offices to force the tenant to settle eight months rentals.

“Since January this year, I have not received  any money,” he said.

However, our investigations established that the department entered into a tenancy agreement with the landlord on bi-annual payment of K4.5 million, translating to K9 million per annum.

Department of Immigration and Citizren Services  regional (North) spokesperson Blackwell Lungu declined to comment, saying they are just occupants and referred us to the Department of Lands.

However, Department of Lands spokesperson Enock Chingoni played down the issue, saying there was communication breakdown between the tenant and the landlord.

He said: “We have sorted out the issue and payment is being processed.

“However, we have discussed the matter and the landlord will unseal the offices.”

The offices were opened around 2pm on the same day.