LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has called off their planed demonstrations over the issue of Livimbo government land after discovering that the land was not sold to anyone.
This cancellation of the demos was done following the dialogue which the grouping as well as Ministry of Land , Housing and Urban Planning officials conducted at the site visit which has put to light that the land was encroached partially by Rahid and Patel warehouse closer to Rivumbo premises.
Speaking with reporters, the Chair person for the Grouping Timothy Mtambo said that the grouping believes in engagement through meetings including demonstrations and asked the government through the ministry to always provide a platform to it’s citizens whenever such issues arises .
Mtambo added that by commending the minister for being progressive in the initiative of the process and hopes that such processes should be as well considered in other ministries for the development of the country.
“We are recommending this ministry for the proper procedure of the issue both technical and theory, the site visit has established that the encroachment happened and this has to be addressed” he explained.
He said that Livimbo issue has opened their eyes since Malawians are crying out there failing to access land in the country while others have access to the same and asked government to document its lands to avoid such issues.
In his remarks, Minister responsible Symon vuwa kaunda said that they are glad that the matter has been resolved and Malawians are now aware that the land was not sold to anyone after presenting every information to hrdc.
Kaunda went to say that government through the ministry going onwards will not tolerate any issues to do with corruption and pledged to ensure that all the government lands that were encroached are properly allocated.
However, Legal Practitioner for Rahid and Patel (encroachers) Ishameal Wadi said that they will appeal for court restraining from abolishing it’s clients warehouse as requested by Lillongwe City Council until the matter is solved.
However,Livimbo School officials pleaded with the ministry and Hrdc organisation to quickly solve the matter saying it is disturbing the students and making them to loose concentration during class lessons.
Livimbo institution which consists of Primary and Secondary schools has 7.07 hectares of land instead of 8 hectares due to the encroachment.