MHC to redevelop Lilongwe’s Malangalanga into commercial hub

The Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) has unveiled plans to redevelop the Malangalanga area of Lilongwe into a modern commercial hub, as part of efforts to reshape the city’s urban landscape.

Speaking to stakeholders during an engagement meeting on Friday, MHC chief executive Bob Chimkango said the redeveloped area would become a centre for business, economic and social activity, with new planning restrictions requiring all future buildings to be at least three storeys high.

“The face of Lilongwe City will improve because Malangalanga will have modern infrastructure,” he said. “Only buildings with three stories or above will be built in the area.”

Chimkango said the transformation was expected to attract significant investment from both local and international entrepreneurs, while generating additional benefits including job creation, improved security and enhanced revenue collection for the corporation.

As part of the redevelopment, Chimkango gave residents currently living in staff houses in Malangalanga a 30-day deadline to vacate the area, to allow the project to proceed.

He outlined measures the corporation had put in place to support those affected, including compensation or relocation to new housing in Area 18 or Area 49, depending on residents’ preferences.

Maxwell Katunga, a resident of Malangalanga, said the community welcomed the redevelopment plans but called for thorough consultation with residents before the project moves forward.