By Synd Kalimbuka
Government has warned Malawians against bribing lands officers, saying the practice promotes corruption and undermines fairness in land applications and allocations across the country.
The warning was issued by Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chimwemwe Chipungu, during an orientation meeting for land clerks from the central region held in Dowa.
Chipungu said members of the public seeking land must adhere to established procedures instead of offering bribes to officers, stressing that shortcuts breed corruption and weaken public trust in land administration.
He noted that bribery not only disadvantages genuine applicants but also distorts land records, leading to disputes and inefficiencies that affect communities and development planning.
The minister further emphasized the importance of integrity and professionalism among land officers, saying ethical conduct is critical to the successful implementation of land reforms.
According to Chipungu, corruption in land management negatively affects national development, as land remains a key resource for investment, housing, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
He also highlighted the ongoing rollout of the computerised Land Information Management System, which is set to replace paper-based land records with digital platforms.
The digital system, he explained, is expected to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in land administration while reducing opportunities for manipulation and corruption.
As part of the reform programme, the ministry distributed laptops and mobile printers to selected land clerks during the event to support the transition to digital land management.
The equipment forms part of the first consignment aimed at strengthening the capacity of land offices and ensuring the effective implementation of the land reform law across the country.
