Lands minister challenged to publish land allocation records

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has intensified pressure on Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Chimwemwe Chipungu, demanding public disclosure of land allocations and the outcome of a land audit amid growing allegations of corruption in the ministry.

The governance watchdog has also nominated the minister for what it describes as a voluntary lifestyle audit, saying public officials have a duty to be transparent and accountable to Malawians.

“In your own words during a Times Exclusive Interview, you publicly admitted that there is endemic corruption at the Lands Ministry,” CDEDI reminded Chipungu.

In a letter dated July 27, 2026, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa said the organisation was invoking the Access to Information (ATI) Act to seek answers on several issues surrounding land administration.

The organisation wants the minister to explain what became of the 14 day ultimatum he issued in January this year ordering people occupying illegally acquired land to vacate or face arrest.

CDEDI has also demanded the findings of the pilot land audit conducted in Areas 3 and 10 in Lilongwe, which the ministry announced as the first phase of a nationwide exercise.

The watchdog further wants Chipungu to publish the names of all people allocated land under his tenure between January 12 and July 24, 2026.

It has also asked the minister to declare whether any beneficiaries are his associates, disclose gifts he has received or declined since assuming office, and outline achievements made in fighting corruption at the ministry after publicly admitting that the problem was widespread.

The demands follow allegations circulating on social media claiming that senior government officials, including cabinet ministers and members of the Asian business community, were allocated multiple plots in Lilongwe.

“It is alleged that top government officials, including cabinet ministers and the Asian Business community have been allocated more than one plot within Lilongwe, including public land at the Airport Development Limited (ADL) in Lumbadzi,” reads the letter.

The organisation reminded Chipungu that, as a cabinet minister and Member of Parliament, he is a public officer who is answerable to the people and should uphold transparency in the discharge of his duties.