Minister sensitises M’mbelwa Development Trust on new land laws

Minister of Lands, Kezzie Msukwa has expressed optimism that traditional leaders and other players will accept implementation of new Land Law of 2016 after their engagements with the ministry.

Some traditional leaders and players have been resisting the new land law for some time.

Speaking in Mzuzu when he opened a two-day Inclusive Sensitisation Workshop on new land-related laws, Msukwa said the laws have several benefits to people as they will be able to register their customary land and permanent ownership.

“Once implemented, the laws will enhance land security to households and address favouritism in land distribution,” Msukwa says

The minister also explained that the laws will facilitate maximization of economic benefits of Malawians from their land.

Reacting to concerns raised by some of the participants, Msukwa said the implementation of the laws will not reduce power and authority of traditional leaders over their subjects.

Speaking on behalf of Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V, Senior Chief Mabilabo said the gathering was eager to have clarifications on some of the contents of the laws.

He, however, said stakeholders in Mzimba are still consulting on modernization of the district’s cultural approach to land administration.

The workshop, which was attended by members of M’mbelwa Development Trust MDT, Mzimba Heritage Association and M’mbelwa Investment Limited, is being held on request by MDT which is chaired by Paramount Chief M’mbelwa four.