Tag Archives: Lands Ministry PRO Mphatso Nkuonera

Development, Malawi

“Lands Ministry appropriately compensated MK2.2bn to Area 54 residents”- Publicist Nkuonera

Jones Gadama

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Ministry of Lands has clarified its stance on reports that Area 54 residents in Lilongwe, who recently received K2.2 billion in compensation, are requesting to remain on the site and relocate early next year.

According to Mphatso Nkuonera, Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Lands, the ministry has not received any formal requests regarding this matter and will only provide a position after thorough analysis of a formal request, if any.

The ministry’s position is guided by the law, which stipulates that once compensation is disbursed, the site should be vacated to pave the way for intended projects.

“We have not received any formal requests on this matter, we are only learning it from the media,” Nkuonera explained.

The ministry will adhere to the law and ensure that the site is vacated as required.

The K2.2 billion compensation payout, which was the first phase of compensation for Area 54 residents, was disbursed early August 2025.

The ministry’s role in managing land and housing issues is crucial in ensuring that physical development takes place in an orderly and sustainable manner.

Area 54 residents are advised to submit formal requests to the Ministry of Lands if they wish to negotiate alternative arrangements.

The ministry will then review and analyze these requests to determine the way forward.

For now, the ministry’s stance remains clear: the law dictates that the site be vacated following compensation disbursement.

Development

Lands Ministry’ Survey Department touts Aerial Mapping

Maravi Post Author

By Mphatso Nkuonera PRO

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Ministry of Lands says it is proud of its ability to map the entire country through the space.

Surveyor General, Masida Mbano made this statement in an interview with The Maravi Post, assuring the citizens that they can rely on the department to carry out aerial mapping.

“We have mapped the whole country from the air with the help of the United States Military Navy with Support from the Department of Disaster and Management Affairs (DoDMA).

“Aerial mapping has aided us to have an up to date status of Malawi’s international boundaries. The image is of high quality and can also be used in creation of physical plans, disaster management, hydrological analysis, mapping of slum, road network planning and mapping of customary land amongst others.

“Aerial images are supposed to be done every 5 years and the last one was done in 2019 with support from National Statistics Office,” Mbano said.

The Surveyor General further appealed to the citizens and organisations to utilise the services offered by the department and avoid duplication of efforts.

The acquired image has 5cm accuracy.

Malawi

Lands Ministry urges Malawians to utilize Hydrographic Survey Unit in Monkeybay

Jones Gadama

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Ministry of Lands, through its Department of Surveys, has called on Malawians to take full advantage of its Hydrographic Survey Unit based in Monkeybay.

The unit, equipped with modern technology and skilled personnel, offers a range of services that are vital for scientific research, environmental management, and various developmental projects.

In a recent interview, Mphatso Nkuonera, Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Lands, highlighted the capabilities of the unit’s Research Vessel, Timba.

This vessel is fitted with advanced hydrographic equipment, making surveys reliable and accurate.

He emphasized that the unit’s services are available at reasonable prices, encouraging researchers, developers, and other stakeholders to engage their expertise.

“If one wants to engage in scientific research, the unit is available and will perfectly serve them to understand aquatic ecosystems, water resources and their changes, informing conservation efforts and management decisions on the blue economy,” Nkuonera said.

Surveyor General Masida Mbano, who also oversees the Hydrographic Survey Unit, explained that the unit plays a significant role in coastal zone management, environmental protection, and mineral detection, including oil and gas deposits beneath water bodies.

According to Mbano, the unit’s data is crucial for offshore construction projects such as oil and gas plants, wind farming, and the laying of underwater pipelines and cables, as it provides accurate information essential for planning and implementation.

Furthermore, Mbano noted the unit’s role in modelling coastal zones, monitoring shoreline changes, and assessing coastal erosion and sedimentation — all important for disaster preparedness and response.

The unit also contributes to water body mapping, enhancing decision-making processes and ensuring the safety of navigation for both passenger and military vessels on Lake Malawi.

The Hydrographic Survey Unit operates smaller boats like dinghies to conduct surveys along coastlines, dams, and major rivers such as the Shire.

Mbano also revealed that the Research Vessel Timba was hired last year by Syracuse University from the United States for scientific research in northern Lake Malawi, underlining the unit’s international recognition.

Malawi’s hydrographic survey activities date back to the 1950s, with the RV Timba having been assembled in 1989 through a collaboration between the French government and Malawi.

The Ministry assures that the unit’s qualified personnel adhere to standardized procedures to maintain the highest levels of accuracy and consistency in their work, making the Hydrographic Survey Unit a valuable resource for Malawi’s sustainable development.

Development, Malawi

Lands Ministry completes 65 houses for people with albinism

Jones Gadama

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.