By Mphatso Nkuonera- PRO Ministry of Lands
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-In a positive development the Government has allocated MK2.2 billion for phase 1, to compensate the natives of Area 54 in the capital city of Lilongwe.
The situation has resulted in the cancellation of the vigils of the residents under the jurisdiction of Senior Traditional Authority (T.A) Chitukula planned to hold from 23rd June, 2025 to compel the Government to honor compensations.
The Government announced plans of identifying prime lands in the four cities of Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe and Mzuzu earmarked for Special Economic Zones and allocated to investors for various national investments, and infrastructure projects.
Earlier on Friday during a stakeholders meeting, held at Lilongwe District Commissioner’s Chamber, the Commissioner for Estate Management and Valuation, in the Ministry of Lands, Mickson Chiundira, said the compensation process is set to begin on 27th June, 2025.
He said the total compensation exercise for Area 54 residents is valued at MK22 Billion.
“We understand that it has been four years, but now they have been assured that the process is set to start and it will involve mapping, and land selection, while the other week will be for compensation,” he said.
Chiundira assured the people that this is just the beginning of the process and that in the near future the government will start allocating the land to concerned residents and complete the exercise.
Chairperson for Area 54 residents, Biton Thuyathuya, welcomed the development, acknowledging the government’s effort to start the process as soon as possible.
“Government has accepted that it has taken a long time to address the issue, but we are glad that Area 54 residents will now start being compensated and we are hopeful that the whole process will continue until it is done,” Thuyathuya said.
He added that the people of the area are happy with the letter which they have been given as it will act as a proof that they indeed met with rightful people and also be able to keep sharing with other members back home.
Located opposite Malawi Institute of Management (MIM) along the M1 road to Kamuzu International Airport, the land covers 1,050 hectares.