By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, July 5, Mana: Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba, has underscored the need for district land registrars, who have completed a month-long training on land administration, to carry out their duties professionally and avoid corruption for the Ministry to win public confidence.

Gumba made the remarks on Friday during the graduation of 34 district land registrars held at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) Natural Resources College (NRC) campus.

The district land registrars were recruited by government and deployed to district councils as one way of decentralizing land administration functions in the country.

Gumba emphasised that this development is a crucial milestone considering that this is the first time in history that all district councils in Malawi will now have district land registrars in place.

"After completing their studies, the registrars will be assigned to their respective district councils. I urge you to refrain from corruption and always adhere to professional ethics for you to win trust from the people you will be serving," stated Gumba.

He highlighted that the training will equip the officers with practical, job-relevant skills, providing opportunities to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, experience and competencies.

Gumba commended Ministry of Lands and the college leadership for their commendable work in organizing and conducting the training which, he said, has come at the right time when government is implementing the new land laws.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Associate Professor Agnes Mangwela, expressed excitement for the training stating that the initiative will provide land registry services which will enhance land management service in the country.

She stated that LUANAR will continue to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Lands in providing capacity building programmes in issues related to land management and administration.

One of the participants, Kobe Benjamin Kabango, said the training has given them the requisite skills to discharge the functions of district land registrars professionally and serve the public in a transparent and accountable manner.