On Monday, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera inaugurated the National Housing Symposium at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. The initiative, in collaboration with various partners, aims to construct 250,000 houses across Malawi.
During the launch, President Chakwera highlighted the nation’s ongoing challenges with inadequate housing. The symposium provides a platform for stakeholders to address these challenges and develop solutions for improving construction practices, particularly to ensure houses are resilient in the face of natural disasters.
“Safer housing designs and effective land reform guidelines are essential for strengthening a housing sector that is vulnerable to weather-related issues,” President Chakwera stated.
He acknowledged the contributions of former President Dr. Joyce Banda for her efforts in improving housing conditions during her tenure. The President announced that the Government’s Project 250 aims to build 25,000 homes annually and noted that 500 homes have already been completed as of the launch date.
President Chakwera also expressed gratitude to former Presidents Dr. Bakili Muluzi and Dr. Joyce Banda for their roles as housing ambassadors during Cyclone Freddy.
Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Deus Gumba, revealed that the government has recruited 319 Land Clerks to manage land-related issues nationwide. He added that new housing designs will be made available to those planning to build at the local level and praised various sectors for their support in providing shelter resources during disasters.
In addition to the symposium, President Chakwera also launched the construction of the Malawi Housing Corporation Headquarters in Lilongwe.
