By Alick Mhango
MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Mzuzu City Council (MCC) is failing to explain who dubiously sold the dambo land around SOS River which is opposite to Gland Palace Hotel, along Mzuzu-Lilongwe M1 road to Best Oil company owned by Chinese national to construct a filling station.
The development has raised eyebrows and angered residents who are using water from the SOS River.
Residents wonder why and how the council allowed anyone to construct a filling station despite being aware of the negative impact of such project to their lives.
“Our environmental act does not allow to construct such project in dambo areas. The council is aware that this area is our main water source, therefore bringing this project is a threat to our lives. We have been talking with the officials to stop the project but to no avail,” said some residents who randomly spoke with this publication.
Despite the buyer started leveling the area, Mzuzu council said it is not aware of the development.
Speaking in an interview, MCC public relations officer McDonald Gondwe said there are number of landlords in the city hence it is difficult for them to trace.
Among the landlords according to Gondwe include the department of lands, Malawi housing corporation, Mzuzu City council and some block leaders.
“We don’t have such knowledge as the city council. What you have to know is that this council have number of landlords. However, many thought it is the council behind the selling of lands. Try to find out from our friends,” he said.
However, all the named landlords have vehemently denied the allegation and pointed their fingers at MCC.
One of the block leaders in the city who opted for an anonymity said the land was sold by some MCC officials who pocketed the cash.
“How can someone start constructing any project in the city without the council knowledge? Who proved the construction plan? The truth is that they know the big err they have made,” said the block leader.
The the Chinese nation who is owner of Best Oil company alleged to have bought the land was not picking his calls.
Issues of dubiously selling of lands is popular in Mzuzu city.
Meanwhile, the residents have agreed to demolish the project before it has opened.