By Robert Nayeja

Nsanje, June 20, Mana: Deputy Director responsible for Quality Assurance in Eastern Region in the Ministry of Lands, Blessings Mpanga has said the development of district physical plan would help to protect government land.  

He was speaking on Thursday during a District Executive Committee meeting in Nsanje to make consultation in line with the development of the district physical plan which was being developed with expertise from the Ministry of Lands.

“Nsanje is a planning area as such the physical planning will help to guide where various developments should take place as such minimizing land disputes between public institutions and the community,” Mpanga added.

He said the consultative process was necessary to get input from all concerned stakeholders so that the document should be finalized before being approved by authorities.

“The meeting was aimed at getting views from council members, technocrats, non-governmental organisations and the communities through area development committees,” the Deputy Director added.

Mpanga advised Nsanje District Council to step up efforts in protecting public land.

“During data collection, we have also noted that some land earmarked for developments and Matandwe Forest Reserve has been encroached. We will work with relevant authorities to deal with the problem,” he added.

Nsanje District Council Chief Administration Officer, Rotina Mlombwa said the meeting was very important as it would help the council in its planning of development activities.

She said the meeting was informative to council officials on physical planning.