Ndirande residents face eviction over forest reserve land

Hundreds of people occupying land in Ndirande, Blantyre, face eviction after the city council ordered them to vacate an area it says is a protected forest reserve.

Blantyre City Council has issued an eviction order against “persons unknown” accused of illegally occupying, constructing on, and using public land without permission from authorities.

The order, issued under Section 20A (1) of the Land Act, gives the occupants 30 days from the date of service to leave the area or risk forced removal.

“It has been established that you are illegally occupying, constructing on, and/or using public land designated as a forest reserve at Ndirande, in the City of Blantyre without authority or permission of Blantyre City Council, the Government or any other relevant authority,” read part of the notice.

According to the notice dated July 21, 2026, the council will use necessary force to remove those who fail to comply with the order.

The council has also warned that affected people could face a K5 million penalty for illegally occupying public land, while costs incurred during the eviction process may be recovered from them as a civil debt.

The notice further states that occupants may face prosecution under Section 20 of the Land Act.