Blantyre City Council has issued a 30-day eviction notice to people illegally occupying public land within the Ndirande Forest Reserve, warning that failure to vacate will result in legal action.
The eviction order, signed on July 21, 2026, under Section 20A(1) of the Land Act (Cap. 57:01), is addressed to “Persons Unknown” occupying the protected forest reserve in Ndirande, Blantyre.
According to the Council, the occupants have unlawfully settled on, developed, and used the land without authorization from the City Council, the Government, or any other relevant authority.
Eviction Order No. EO 28/26 states that the illegal occupation violates land management laws designed to safeguard public forest reserves.
The Council says the continued encroachment poses a serious threat to environmental conservation efforts in the area.
The notice gives the occupants 30 days from the date of service to stop occupying the land and leave the area. The Council warns that once the deadline expires, it will enforce the order.
Authorities say anyone who fails to comply will be removed using necessary force.
Offenders also risk a K5,000,000 fine for illegally occupying public land, recovery of eviction costs as a civil debt, and possible prosecution under Section 20 of the Land Act.
Environmental and community leaders in Ndirande have long expressed concern over encroachment into the forest reserve, citing deforestation, soil erosion, and increasing pressure on protected public land. The latest action is part of the Council’s broader efforts to reclaim and preserve gazetted land in Blantyre.
Residents have been urged to respect land-use regulations and obtain the necessary authorization before settling on public land. The Council emphasized that the exercise is intended to protect land reserved for public and environmental purposes, not to target individuals.
“The Council will use necessary force to evict you from the said public land if you do not vacate within thirty days,” reads part of the eviction notice.
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