Wanangwa Mbereka in K40 million Malawi Housing Corp plots scandal

While many Malawians are struggling to buy plots or houses from state owned Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC), its former Deputy Chief Executive Officer Wanangwa Mbereka allocated to himself plots worth K40 million, Nyasa Times has established.

Mbereka, who is now seconded to the ministry of information, culture and tourism, is said to have abused his office to allocate the plots in Central and Northern regions in 2013 alone.

He was one of political strategists for ousted Peoples Party (PP) in the run up to the 2014 tripartite elections.

According to Financial Statements for MHC for the year ended June 30, 2014 which Nyasa Times has sourced, Mbereka used his power in 2013 to award a total of 10 plots in the central and northern region to himself and Zinqaba Trust Fund which he owns.

Only one plot no 43/383/177 which was allocated on May 29, 2013 at the value of K5, 714,880 is in his name while the rest of the plots are in the name of Zinqaba Trust Fund.

Zinqaba Trust Fund were allocated a high value plot worth K24, 379, 400 in Lilongwe plot no. 6/0369 on June 18, 2013 out of which K17, 078, 500 was paid leaving a balance of K7,300,900.

Five plots in Area 49 in Lilongwe were allocated to Zinqaba Trust Fund on the same day September 30, 2013.

“Repayments of K11.8 million were received from Zinqaba Trust Fund and the sum of K8.9 million was still outstanding as at the year end. Zinqaba Trust Fund is owned by Mr. Wanangwa Mbereka, the then Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation,” reads the financial report in part.

Three plots in Mzuzu were also allocated to Zinqaba Trust Fund on the same day, January 10, 2013.