By Pemphero Malimba:
The government has announced sweeping reforms in the management of public housing, including strict enforcement of rent payments and possible eviction of defaulters, as it moves to restore discipline and sustainability in the sector.
Lands Minister Chimwemwe Chipungu told Parliament Tuesday that the new measures would ensure that all tenants comply with tenancy agreements, warning that no one will be spared.
“A decision has been made to enhance compliance and monitoring to ensure that all tenants comply with the terms and conditions specified in tenancy agreements,” Chipungu said.
He said the government would strictly enforce rent payments and recover all outstanding arrears, adding that political influence would no longer serve as a shield for defaulters.
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“Under this government, nobody will be allowed to use their political connection to evade obligations under tenancy agreements,” he said.
Chipungu also called on members of Parliament and public officials who are staying in government houses to lead by example by meeting their obligations.
The minister said government would introduce an annual rent review system to avoid sharp increases that result from delayed adjustments.
“In the past, delays in revising rentals resulted in sudden and high increments. Moving forward, we are introducing a built-in annual revision mechanism to allow gradual and affordable adjustments,” he said.
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He further announced that the Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) would, effective May 1, 2026, shift from an anniversary-based billing system to a uniform system where rent for all tenants would be revised on a set date.
Chipungu said the current system had made it difficult for MHC to manage thousands of tenants, track payments and plan budgets efficiently.
Commenting on the development, Member of Parliament Peter Dimba backed the reforms.
“This is a progressive move. We cannot continue to have a system where people occupy government houses and fail to meet their obligations,” Dimba said.
