LAND OWNERSHIP AUDIT UNCOVERS WIDESPREAD IRREGULARITIES.

A nationwide land ownership audit has uncovered widespread irregularities in land administration, including unregistered plots, questionable land allocations, missing records and fraudulent ownership documents.

Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Chimwemwe Chipungu disclosed the findings on Wednesday during a press briefing in Lilongwe.

According to Chipungu, the audit was prompted by increasing land disputes, particularly in urban areas, involving allegations of land grabbing, encroachment, illegal ownership, double allocation of plots and the use of fake title documents.

Chipungu said available records showed that Area 3 had 791 allocated plots, while Area 10 had 604 allocated plots.

He said the Ministry also found weaknesses in record management, including difficulties in tracing survey drawings, lease documents, development approvals, and receipts for ground rent and development charges.

The audit further established that most plots in Areas 3 and 10 are not registered, while some have remained undeveloped for more than 24 months after being offered for lease.

The Ministry also identified weaknesses in the land allocation process, including a non-functional plot allocation committee, overlapping responsibilities, doubtful survey documents and questionable acquisition of leases.

Chipungu said the Ministry will update cadastral maps, establish a stronger records management system and strengthen scrutiny of land administration documents.

He said the Ministry will also restore the plot allocation committee to improve transparency, accountability and fairness in the allocation of land.

The Ministry has warned that lessees whose plots have remained undeveloped for 24 months will be required to commence development, failing which their leases may be terminated in accordance with the Land Act.

It has also warned that illegal structures, including developments in conservation and flood-prone areas, will face demolition in accordance with the Physical Planning Act.

The Ministry has pledged to enforce land laws and work with relevant government departments and agencies to address malpractice and improve transparency in land administration.