By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, December 3, Mana: Ministry of Lands, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, has launched spatial plans for developments under the Regional Climate Resilience Program (RCRP) aimed at addressing climate change related shocks.

Spatial plans are documents that outline how to develop and use space in a given area. They are created by the public and private sectors to guide the distribution of people and activities in a region or municipality.

Speaking during the launch in Salima on Monday, RCRP Deputy Coordinator, who is also Deputy Director in the Ministry of Local Government, Flemmings Nyirenda, urged district councils to prioritize implementing the plans and ensuring community compliance.

"The initiative is falling under Sub-Component 2.2 focusing on district-led resilience; building proper adherence to these spatial plans will help mitigate climate impacts and reduce damage caused by disasters," he said.

Nyirenda emphasized the importance of guiding communities on how to utilize land, pointing out that many people have settled or built infrastructure in areas prone to climate shocks such as flooding, leaving them vulnerable to devastating losses.

"This is a critical step in helping communities understand the risks associated with improper land use. By following these spatial plans, we can prevent losses of property and build resilience against climate impacts,” said Nyirenda.

Commissioner for Physical Planning in the Ministry of Lands, Robins Lukasi, said the programme aims to address challenges brought by climate change, such as flooding and strong winds, which have severely affected communities across Malawi in recent years.

“By training district councils to develop and implement spatial plans, the programme seeks to promote safe and sustainable land use practices," he said.

He said it is important that whenever people are developing in various urban areas, even in rural areas, they should be guided by plans that would take into account issues of disaster and climate change.

Salima District Commissioner, James Mwenda, commended the training saying council officials will be well equipped with skills to manage and enforce the plans.

The initiative is being piloted in seven districts, with plans to cover the rest of the country next financial year.