BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Lands Deus Gumba has issued a stern warning to individuals encroaching on public land, stating that they will face the full force of the law.
“People who encroach public land they will face the law and if their structures were demolished by reinforcement agencies, definitely they should not dare to go back to restart construction as this is prosecutable through a fine and imprisonment at the same time,” Gumba emphasized.
The Minister’s warning comes as part of the government’s efforts to bring sanity to land management in Malawi, particularly in cities and towns.
Gumba noted that this exercise is currently underway in Lilongwe and will be extended to other cities and district councils across the country.
Gumba highlighted that individuals whose structures have been demolished will not be eligible for compensation.
“If their structures were pulled down, there is no compensation that is paid,” he stated.
The Minister’s remarks underscore the government’s commitment to addressing land challenges and promoting responsible land use.
This crackdown on land encroachment aligns with Malawi’s Vision 2063, which aims to promote sustainable economic growth and development.
The Ministry of Lands is working to ensure that land governance laws are enforced, and those found guilty of encroaching on public land will face the consequences.