By Jones Gadama
Lilongwe homeowners and landlords listen up. The Ministry of Lands has started training officers for the biggest property valuation in Lilongwe in 5 years.
The Quinquennial Valuation Roll exercise will run from August 2026 to March 2027.
The goal is to create a new database of all assessable properties in Lilongwe City so Council can charge city rates under the Local Government Act of 1998.
Acting Commissioner of Valuation Cynthia Chisanu said the team will start with 30 days of pilot data collection before moving to other areas.
“You have to work closely with one another throughout the exercise because proper coordination will be essential in collecting accurate and reliable property information,” she said. She stressed that teamwork is key to get accurate results.
Valuation officers will be going door to door in Lilongwe to enter properties and collect data. Property owners, residents and developers will be required to provide information when asked.
But Lilongwe City Council has issued a tough warning. In a press statement, the Council said obstructing valuers, refusing to give information, or lying to the team are punishable offences. If convicted, people may face fines and/or imprisonment.
Council says the new database will be used to assess city rates and improve property management.
That means your city rates could go up or down depending on the new valuation of your property.
The data will also help Council plan better services like roads, markets, and waste collection.
