By Tikondane Vega

Blantyre, April 5, Mana: Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba says his ministry will continue to sensitize all stakeholders on matters related to land laws so that Malawians should have common understanding on land issues.

Gumba said this in Blantyre on Friday during the meeting with Blantyre City Council (BCC) management and ward councilors on land laws, planning, development control and enforcement.

He added that he was aware that some people deliberately confuse communities regarding the newly reviewed land laws saying before being passed, the laws went through proper consultations.

“Government recognizes that land is the most capital resource in Malawi and this is why my ministry is trying to engage each and every stakeholder and today we are in Blantyre meeting BCC management and councilors.

“These are very important stakeholders when it comes to planning, development control and enforcement. There are many things contained in the reviewed land laws including that a land should not be sold to the foreigner unless it is for investment purpose,” said Gumba.

He added that the law review process received overwhelming input from many Malawians who pointed to the need to address landlessness, concentration of land in the hands of few people.

“Malawians also pointed out simplifying the process of granting customary estates. In the meantime we are also going to the same stakeholders explaining the changes that have taken place,” he added.

The minister then urged the participants to be active and get correct information from the technocrats adding government will continue to make land available to every individual regardless of their affiliations.

On his part, Mayor for Blantyre City Wild Ndipo said the sensitization has come at a right time when land is a big issue in the city.

Ndipo said the reviewed land laws have addressed several dirty areas that were there adding with the coming of decentralization, there is need for more clarity on land issues as they have power within them.

“This kind of awareness will help us to take crucial information to the people so that they are made aware of the opportunity of owning and utilizing land through rightful means,” he said.

Parliament passed the amendments of the Land (Amendment) Act, 2022, Customary Land (Amendment) Act, 2022, Land Survey (Amendment) Act, 2022, Land Acquisition and Compensation (Amendment) Act, 2022, Physical Planning (Amendment) Act, 2022; and Registered Land (Amendment) Act, 2022.