By Jones Gadama
President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s government is showing real leadership.
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has issued a 60-day ultimatum for plot owners to prove ownership or risk forfeiting their properties. The notice was released on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The move follows months of pressure from civil society led by CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa.
Minister Honourable Chimwemwe Chipungu admitted during a press conference that preliminary audit findings revealed widespread irregularities in urban land administration in Lilongwe.
According to the official notice, the verification exercise targets 950 plot allocations across the capital.
This includes 710 plots in Area 3, 222 plots in Area 10, and 18 plots across Areas 32, 41, 43, 44, and 46.
Affected plot holders must report to the Land Information Management Systems offices at the Golden Peacock Office Building in City Centre with 16 required statutory documents.
These include original offer letters, lease agreements, deed plans, approved development plans, and proof of ground rent payments.
The Ministry warned that failure to comply within the 60-day window will result in immediate repossession and legal enforcement under statutory land laws.
Malawians have praised President Mutharika for appointing a hardworking and bold Minister like Chimwemwe Chipungu who is fixing the rot in the Ministry of Lands and restoring order where cartels had taken over.
