By Jones Gadama
A dispute over compensation has led to a standoff between Ng’onga villagers in Balaka and Portland Cement Limited, which is building a cement-producing plant in the area.
Irate villagers have closed the road to the construction site, accusing the company of duping them by paying meager compensation for their land.
On Monday, a meeting between the villagers, government officials, and representatives from Portland Cement Limited failed to resolve the issue.
The villagers are demanding a detailed report on the compensation paid so far and a fresh valuation of their land by an independent valuer.
The villagers claim that the company paid them inadequate compensation for their land, which was acquired for the construction of the cement plant.
They argue that the compensation was not based on the current market value of the land.
The blockade of the road has brought construction work at the site to a standstill, with workers and equipment unable to access the site.
The dispute has also attracted the attention of local authorities, who are urging the parties to resolve the issue amicably.
The standoff has raised concerns about the impact of large-scale development projects on local communities, who often bear the brunt of displacement and inadequate compensation.
Portland Cement Limited has yet to comment on the dispute.