Ministry of Lands announces roadmap towards relocation of Kasasile community

The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has intensified efforts to provide a lasting solution for families currently living in temporary shelters at Kasasile in Nkhata-Bay District.

This follows recent demonstrations by residents from the area, who marched from Kasasile to stage vigils demanding urgent government intervention and a permanent resettlement plan.

In response, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Honourable Chimwemwe Chipungu, M.P., convened a meeting with Members of Parliament from the Northern Region to review progress on the resettlement process and agree on the way forward.

According to press statement which principal secretary in the Ministry Amani Muss has signed , the meeting was also attended by the Minister of Justice, Honourable Charles Mhango, and the Minister of Defence, Dr. Feston Kaupa.

During the deliberations, the Minister disclosed that Government has resolved to identify suitable land in one of the neighbouring districts for the resettlement of the affected families. Government intends to resettle all the families in one consolidated location.

The statement says in the meantime, the Ministry is prioritising the identification and acquisition of the land. To ensure seamless implementation of the resettlement plan and to mitigate the impact of the current situation on the families, the Ministry is working closely with other government agencies, including the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and the relevant district councils.

Pending the identification of permanent settlement land, Government has provided temporary shelter for the families at Thungwe. DoDMA will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure that the families live in decent and humane conditions at the shelter.

“Further, Government has instituted a multi-stakeholder committee comprising Members of Parliament and officials from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, DoDMA and other government agencies. The committee will be responsible for identifying suitable land and coordinating all matters related to the welfare of the affected families pending their permanent resettlement,” Reads the statement.

According to the statement, Government remains committed to ensuring that the resettlement process is conducted in an orderly, transparent and humane manner, while safeguarding the welfare and dignity of all affected families.