Lakeshore residents irked with claims of Lake Malawi ‘sold’ to Mota Engil

Lakeshore residents in the north have threatened to take unspecified action against government for its failure to clarify on the allegations that it has “sold” the Lake Malawi to a Portuguese company Mota -Engil.

In parliament last week, the Mzimba West lawmaker Harry Mkandawire challenged the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government  that it has sold the Lake Malawi to Mota Engil,  claiming he has evidence.

However, government side failed to fend off the accusation a development which lakeshore residents say dignifies Mkandawire’s claims.

The lakeshore residents in the north have been meeting  discussing the matter.

The group which consists the representatives of Likoma Island, Rumphi, Karonga and Nkhata-bay lakeshore residents had their meeting on Wednesday and Friday in Karonga district.

During the meeting, members agreed to demand the truth on the matter from government.

Confirming the development on Friday, one of the participants Mathews Sayi from Chitimba in Rumphi said they are yet to finalize their plan.

“Our final meeting will be on Sunday, but to be honest with you the development has really raised our anger especially after noticing that this DPP government is trying to ruin us,” said Sayi.

“Making matters worse, for the first time in Malawi’s history we are told that we shall be paying tax to the land we inherited from our fathers.

“So, firstly we will need government to tell the nations where the money has gone before pressuring it to reverse the decision,” he added.

According to him, government should expect strong demonstration from the lakeshore residents of the mentioned districts.

Meanwhile, some of the civil societies including Karonga Youth for Justice have pledged to support the group to hold their demonstration.

When Nyasa Times  asked the Mzimba North MP if he indeed has the evidence Mkandawire said “of course I have it if you want search it on the internet.”

According to Mkandawire’s evidence, Mota Engil which is a Portuguese construction company will run the affairs of the Lake Malawi for 40 years

However, government spokesperson Patricia Kaliati refuted the allegations, clarifying that  government, through the Ministry of Transport and Public Works handed over the management and operation of Lake Malawi ports to Mota-Engil.

The concession, among other things, grants the concessionaire the right to finance, manage, operate and maintain the Malawi Lake Ports for a period of 35 years as provided in the Concession Agreement.

According to the 2013 government annual economic report, as provided by the Concession Agreement, Mota-Engil has the right to provide for new project facilities or assets.