People encroach Karonga MBC transmitting station

Some businesspeople in Karonga have constructed shops on land belonging to Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) transmitting station in the district.

In random interviews with the developers, they claimed they bought the land from Karonga District Council.

One of the developers, Bernard Nkhonya, said he bought the piece of land from council officials in 2014.

“The piece of land in question has beacons on its boundaries and title deeds. That means I acquired the land legally through the council,” he said.

In an interview, MBC director general George Kasakula said he was aware of the encroachment.

He said: “The site is protected by law.

“Again, a transmitting area is a dangerous place due to radiation and powerful waves and currents which put people’s safety at risk. However, we have taken a legal route to solve the problem.”

In a separate interview, Karonga district commissioner Paul Kalilombe, while faulting the developers, said he was yet to receive any complaint from MBC on the issue.

He said: “Land encroachment is as good as trespassing on an illegal land and MBC should complain officially through the courts or my office.

“My office will also investigate the matter through the Department of Lands on how they sold that land because it is not suitable for construction of shops.”