By Burnett Munthali
The 328 families displaced from Kasasire in Nkhata-Bay District may soon have clarity on their future, with government saying it is finalising plans for a permanent settlement and is expected to announce its position next week.
Special Advisor to the Office of the Second Vice-President, Maurice Munthali, gave the assurance on Friday when he visited the displaced families at Kasasire while representing Second Vice-President Enock Chihana.
Munthali said government is aware of the challenges facing the families and is following established procedures to find a lasting solution, particularly with the rainy season approaching.
Displaced families
“The message we have brought is that the people should keep calm, be patient and remain hopeful because government has not been idle. It is working to solve this problem,” he said.
Munthali said the matter has recently been presented to Cabinet for consideration and that the Minister of Lands,Chimwemwe Chipungu is expected to communicate government’s position within a week.
“What people must know is that government has procedures and protocols, and it has been keen on this issue for quite a long time,” he said.
Munthali also assured the displaced families that government is considering their livelihoods and the need for them to live in a safe and suitable location.
Kasasire Camp Manager Joshua Ngugi said the continued presence of government officials at the camp is giving hope among the displaced families that their concerns will finally be addressed.
He said the families have suspended plans to travel to Lilongwe to present their grievances directly to President Peter Mutharika while awaiting the government’s promised announcement.
Commissioner for Lands Peter Chikwanu commended the affected residents for remaining patient and said the long-standing matter is expected to reach a conclusion soon.
Nkhata Bay District Commissioner David Kayiwonanga Gondwe said the district council will continue coordinating with relevant stakeholders to support the affected families as they await a permanent resolution.
The 328 families were displaced from Kasasire in 2024 following concerns over encroachment on a Malawi Defence Force (MDF) firing range.
President Mutharika subsequently assigned Second Vice-President Chihana to help address the matter.
