LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Ministry of Lands in Malawi has made significant progress in constructing houses for people with albinism (PWA) across the country.

According to the Public Relations Officer, Mphatso Nkuonera, a total of 67 houses have been constructed so far, with 65 already handed over to beneficiaries and two in their completion stages.

In a bid to provide safe and secure housing for PWA, the government, through the Ministry of Lands, initiated a project to construct houses in 27 districts across Malawi, excluding Likoma and Chizumulu, where there are no reported cases of albinism.

The project aims to provide maximum security to PWA, who have been targeted by criminals due to misconceptions about their body parts having magical powers.

“The facts on the ground are that we have completed 65 houses of people with albinism and two of these are in their completion stages,” said Nkuonera, adding that, “As we are aware, the Malawi government, through the Ministry of Lands, promised to construct houses for people with albinism, and as an emphasis, 65 have been completed and already handed over to the beneficiaries.”

The Ministry of Lands plans to construct 10 additional houses for PWA in the 2025/26 financial year.

However, due to changes in specifications, there was a delay in completing tender documents.

The ministry is currently concluding the tender process and is confident that work will progress quickly once contractors are on the ground.

“We are in the process of concluding the tender process, and as soon as procurement is completed, we will quickly award the contracts and hand over the sites,” said Nkuonera. “Once contractors are on the ground, work should progress very quickly as we are not in the rainy season yet,” he added.

This project is part of the government’s efforts to protect PWA from attacks and provide them with safe living conditions.

The houses are strategically built close to other houses in the community to ensure maximum security from neighbors and community members.

The Ministry of Lands has reiterated its commitment to completing the project and providing safe housing for all PWA in Malawi.

With the completion of the remaining houses, PWA in Malawi will have access to safe and secure living conditions, enabling them to live with dignity and confidence.

As Nkuonera emphasized, the ministry is confident that work will progress quickly once contractors are on the ground. The government’s efforts to provide safe housing for PWA will go a long way in promoting their well-being and protecting their rights.

The construction of houses for PWA has brought relief to many families and communities.

The project has also received support from various stakeholders, including community leaders and organizations working with PWA.

The handover ceremony for the houses is a testament to the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of PWA.

The Malawi government’s commitment to completing the project is a testament to its efforts to promote inclusivity and support marginalized communities.

With the completion of the remaining houses, PWA in Malawi will be able to live without fear of attacks and will have access to safe and secure living conditions.

The Ministry of Lands’ progress in constructing houses for PWA is a significant step towards protecting their rights and dignity.

The government’s commitment to completing the project will go a long way in promoting the well-being and safety of PWA in Malawi.