Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chimwemwe Chipungu, says government will begin reviewing land ownership across the country within the next 14 days.
Addressing a news conference at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Chipungu said the ministry is committed to ensuring that Malawians have access to land in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
The Minister further warned individuals acquiring land illegally or through land grabbing, stressing that the law will take its course without fear or favour.
“We have noted that some individuals are illegally occupying people’s land in what we call property grabbing, we are here to make this announcement that we are providing 14 days grace period for them to follow proper procedures because ministry of lands will start reviewing ownership of land after the 14 days so if anyone is found in possession of land through illegal means, the law will take its course”. He explained.
Chipungu also emphasized that there is a new sheriff is in town and will safeguard the country’s land and restore public trust in land administration.
Speaking at the same briefing, Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito also issued a stern warning to those involved in land grabbing, adding that government will reclaim illegally acquired land and return it to rightful owners.
Mukhito also stressed that no individual or political grouping is above the law hence everyone found in possession of land illegally will face the law.
Also present at the briefing were the Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadreck Namalomba, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri and the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Justin Saidi.
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