Malawi govt promises decent housing

Minister Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Bright Msaka has revealed about Governments commitment to provide Malawians with decent houses, water and good road network.

Msaka told reporters on Monday in Lilongwe that Government is concerned with the increasing number of people living in slums and also the environment around them which leaves a lot to be desired.

He cited lack of durable houses, access to improved water, sanitation and energy as some of the problem facing slum dwellers which needed government intervention.

“About 66.4 percent of the Malawi population leaves in slum houses, this is unwelcome and to this end government wants to make sure that the situation is improved by constructing good decent houses through various programmes.

“We are hoping that through the Malata and cement subsidy programme many people will have an opportunity and afford to build modern houses and in a long run improve the housing challenges facing the country,” he explained.

“Apart from malata and cement and the rural growth center programmes, government has started reviewing the MHC Act which prohibits the institution to make profits. MHC has refused to grow because it only makes huge investments yet no profits are being realized. Therefore upon the review of the Act, we will see construction of more houses thereby reducing the housing problem,” he added.

As the world commemorates world habitant day this week Msaka said the Malawi government has put emphasis on making sure that the voice of the slum dwellers is heard through the establishment of a number of platforms.