Public land under threat in Lilongwe 

A dispute has arisen between people of Mchesi Township and Kamuzu Central Hospital officials over land believed to belong to the Hospital in Area 33 in the city of Lilongwe.

Mchesi and Kawale residents invaded the land which they claim is lying idle when they have nowhere to settle. The 12 hectare piece of land has since been flooded by people wanting to build houses.

In an interview, one of the people who refused to be named said they are there because they are poor and cannot afford to buy land to build houses on.

“The place has been associated with stories of gangs harassing people going to the hospital, so if it is developed the attacks will stop,” he said.

However, Kamuzu Central Hospital public relations officer Mable Chikakhala said the land belongs to the hospital and when it was  invaded they informed the police who chased the people away.

He said they want to meet the Malawi Police Service and the Lilongwe City Council to find a lasting solution to the issue.