By Eranivey Temani

Lilongwe, June 21, Mana: Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has allocated K2.2 billion as a starting point to compensate residents of Area 54 in the area Senior Chief Chitukula in Lilongwe.

The people of Area 54 in Lilongwe are demanding compensation following government’s declaration of the occupied land as prime and earmarked for different government investment infrastructures.

Speaking on Friday during a stakeholders meeting, Commissioner for Estate Management and Valuation, Mickson Chiundira, said the compensation process is set to begin on 27 June 2025.

“We understand that it has been four years, but now they have been assured that the process is set to start and it will involve mapping, and land selection, while the other week will be for compensation,” he said.

Chiundira assured the people that this is just the beginning of the process and that in the near future government will start allocating the land to concerned residents and complete the exercise.

Chairperson for Area 54 residents, Biton Thuyathuya, welcomed the development, acknowledging government's effort to start the process as soon as possible.

 "Government has accepted that it has taken a long time to address the issue, but we are glad that Area 54 residents will now start being compensated and we are hopeful that the whole process will continue until it is done," Thuyathuya said.

He added that the people of the area are happy with the letter, which they have been given as it will act as proof that they indeed met with rightful people and also be able to address other members that were left at their community.

According to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the total compensation exercise for Area 54 residents is valued at K22 billion.

The Area 54 Residents were set to hold vigils at the Lilongwe District Commissioner’s office starting on Monday, 23 June 2025.

Area 54 in Lilongwe is located opposite Malawi Institute of Management (MIM) along the M1 road to Kamuzu International Airport and it covers 1,050 hectares.