By Staff Reporter

Minister of lands, Deus Gumba says Chiefs have a pivotal role to play in the implementation of amended land related laws in the country

He made these remarks today during a sensitization meeting  for Traditional Authorities(T/A’s) from Central Region on amended land related laws and procedures on the appointment of customary land tribunals, at Linde Hotel in Mponera, Dowa District.

Gumba said chiefs being custodians of land are very instrumental in developmental activities hence the need to sensitize them on the new land related laws.

Gumba emphasised that the new land laws which were amended in 2022 by Parliament, prohibit the selling of land to foreigners, unless the land is for investment purposes, stating that this investment initiative is being facilited by Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC)

“We are only providing land to foreign nationals whose interest is in investment. My ministry is working closely with MITC to ensure that foreign investors have land for investment in the country” he said.

Gumba disclosed that his ministry has also recruited land registrars and clerks to deal with land related issues at  district level as one way of embracing decentralization

To this end, the Minister said the Ministry has also developed a land laws communication strategy to guide dissemination of information on the new land laws to all stakeholders.

Speaking earlier, Secretary for Lands, Davie Chilonga said the sensitization is crucial in the management of land among chiefs and in addresing issues related to customary land.

In his remarks Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani 5 said the meeting is significant and it will serve as a guideline to chiefs to execute their duties and help them work within the confines of the law.