LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Ombudsman Grace Malera on Friday, October 25, 2024 ordered Ministry of Land to provide land to former employee Paul Lungu.
Malera made the determination in accordance with section 126 of the Ombudsman Act,
The Ombudsman said the respondent ministry should formally write a letter of apology to the complainant within seven days from the day of verdict.
She added that the ministry should put up the compilation of the long outstanding applications waiting list of the applicants from 2004 to 2022 to ensure the allocation of the plots.
The Ombudsman further said the Lands Ministry should undertake an intensive inspection exercise to determine the plots that the ministry allocated.
She therefore called upon the ministry to expedite the process of the finalization of the formulation and adoption of guidelines for the distribution of lands/plots allocation and strictly implement such guidelines.
The Ombudsman observes further that in accordance with section 123 (2) of the constitution and section 8(5)of the Ombudsman Act, any party dissatisfied with the determination and with sufficient interest in the matter is at liberty to apply for review to the high court within 30 days from the date of being notified.
The Ministry of Land Commissioner for Lands, Gracious Tembo therefore agreed to comply with the ombudsman’s determination as it is in accordance with the law.
Ombudsman receives 3,000 complaints yearly from different individuals including stakeholders.
