By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, January 26, Mana: Communities in the area of Senior Chief Mlumbe in Zomba District have commended government for implementing a land reforms programme, which among other things promotes the registration of Customary Land.

The communities made the remarks Saturday at Chilipa primary school in the area of senior chief Mulumbe where the Ministry of Lands issued certificates of customary estate to land owners and smallholder farmers.

Paul Mweta, a beneficiary who hails from Matanga Two in Masula Village, expressed his excitement saying that the certificate he received provides a sense of ownership over his land, which is likely to resolve land-related issues such as encroachment.

"I can now identify boundaries of my land, this development will reduce the problems related to land that people in our area have been struggling with," Mweta said.

He added that initially, he did not understand the programme well thinking that the government might grab his piece of land.

“At first, I was uncertain about registering my land, but when the Ministry of Lands conducted awareness meetings on the importance of registering Customary land, all the fears were not there and that encouraged me to register my land. This customary land was passed on to me by my parents, so I need to protect it, hence registering it,” he added.

Another beneficiary, Maria Maopa, from Masaula Village, said the certificate authenticates ownership of the land and that issues such as selling land to foreigners and inheritance disputes will be a thing of the past.

"As a farmer, I will be working on my piece of land freely without fearing that someone would come and grab my land away. This will enable me to use the land productively,” she said.

A member of Masaula Customary Land Committee Jafali Thombo remarked that the exercise has been impactful and significant, as it has allowed people in the area to have true ownership of their land.

He appealed government to expedite scaling up the land registration process to other areas stating that registered land gives people the confidence to work on it freely.

Senior Chief Mlumbe commended the government for implementing the land reform programme saying it has reduced land disputes, which chiefs have been grappling with for years in the area.

He therefore urged his subordinates to fully support the programme by exercising fairness when handling land issues.

He urged them to ensure that only indigenous Malawi should register customary land in their respective areas.

Commenting on the development, Anthony Mzima, Deputy Commissioner for Lands, stated that the initiative is crucial for effective land management and highlighted that it is a priority for the ministry to ensure that everyone registers their customary land across the country.

He indicated that the initiative began as a pilot project in Karonga, Kasungu, Phalombe, Chikwawa, and Nsanje districts.

Mzima further said the ministry is collaborating with the district land registry at the district council to ensure that all individuals who registered have received their certificates.