The knowledge gap on the amended land laws has been described as a major challenge amongst decision-making stakeholders on land-related issues in Malawi’s major cities.
Victor Sandikonda, Lands Ministry’s Director of Administration revealed this in Mzuzu during the official opening of a sensitisation meeting with Mzuzu City Council Officials on how they can manage and implement the amended laws.
“The purpose of the meeting was to share with partners key provisions in the amended land-related laws, which were put into effect in 2022,” Simkonda said.
The City’s Mayor, Gift Nyirenda, highlighted the meeting will assist the council to effectively handle related issues.
The new laws include the prohibition of selling land to foreigners and a requirement that private landholders must commence development within two years or apply to the Minister for an extension.
Additionally, Regional Lands offices will be renamed Regional Quality Assurance Offices, to be headed by deputy directors in Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Liwonde Township
