Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Chimwemwe Chipungu on Thursday, October 29, 2026, handed over 40 completed staff houses to the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) at the Support Battalion in Mvera, Dowa District, under the 10,000 Housing Units Project for Security Institutions.
The handover marks a significant milestone in government’s efforts to improve accommodation for security personnel and provide decent living conditions for men and women serving the nation.
Chipungu said the houses would help improve the welfare of military personnel and create a conducive environment for them to effectively discharge their duties.
The minister was accompanied by First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Victor Musowa, Minister of Defence Featon Kaupa and Presidential Adviser on Youth Dyton Mussa.
Chipungu said his ministry was working to address challenges affecting the implementation of ongoing housing projects, including outstanding payments to contractors.
He commended Tapita Development Company and other contractors for their continued efforts despite the challenges, while emphasising the need for contractors to fulfil their contractual obligations and maintain the required construction standards.
The minister also disclosed that government had deferred the tendering of the remaining 6,000 housing units due to the prevailing economic challenges.
He said the decision was aimed at prioritising the resolution of outstanding issues affecting ongoing projects and ensuring that construction works continued smoothly.
Although the housing initiative was introduced under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led government, Chipungu reaffirmed the current administration’s commitment to completing the programme.
He said government remained determined to ensure that the project delivered on its objective of improving accommodation for security personnel across the country.
Chipungu further pledged that his ministry would continue engaging stakeholders to resolve existing challenges, speed up the implementation of ongoing projects and ensure the successful completion of the housing initiative.
The 10,000 Housing Units Project for Security Institutions is intended to strengthen the welfare of security personnel by improving access to decent housing for those responsible for protecting Malawi and safeguarding its citizens.
