The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Kuhes) and government have been in talks to source about K10 billion to pay as compensation to residents from over five villages in Traditional Authority Kuntaja at Chilangoma in Chileka Blantyre to pave way for Bridgin Foundation-funded project.
Last month people from the area cried foul over delays by the university to compensate them for the 389 hectares piece of land which Kuhes has earmarked to build a multi-billion high-tech teaching hospital.
Blantyre District Commissioner Alex Mdooko has told Malawi News that said during a meeting which Kuhes called, the institution said it was in talks with the government to secure funding for the purpose.
“I did not want to talk about this issue because it has not been easy for my office. People involved have been coming, others calling just to follow up on the matter.
“But what I can say is that Kuhes is still interested in the project and the people through their respective chiefs were asked to be patient because Kuhes is working hand in hand with government to find the money for compensation. We have agreed to be meeting monthly and give each other updates on the matter,” he said.
Mdooko said the land that was earmarked is big and the compensation money is a lot.
“The project can only commence if the people are compensated. The money to be paid is a lot. We are talking of roughly K10 billion and compensation cannot be paid in bits. It has to be paid all at the same time and for such an amount to be available at once, it is not easy. But Kuhes assured us that they are talking to Office of the President and Cabinet,” he said.
Vice chairperson of the affected citizens’ task force Chisomo Chatawa confirmed of the meeting involving Kuhes officials, the DC and chiefs from the area.
“We will wait to hear from them on the way forward,” he said.
Robert Kalindiza Chief Communications Officer at OPC said discussions on the compensation funds is indeed underway.
“The valuation figures initially provided a percentage above the compensation package. In the event of any significant changes in the property market, the appointed valuers will conduct a thorough market research to determine the current property values. Consequently, the final figures for compensation will be revised accordingly to reflect the prevailing market conditions,” Kalindiza said.
He added that government has the responsibility to protect the interests of Malawians and ensure that their livelihoods are not adversely affected when such development projects are implemented.
“So as soon as funds are available, things will be sorted out,” he said.
Last year, Belgium-based Bridgin Foundation caused a sensation in Malawi when it signed an agreement with the government, committing to provide $6.8 billion (K6.8 trillion) for several projects in the country.
According to information on Kuhes website, the project will be a fully-fledged hospital city with a shopping complex, five-star hotel, recreational facilities, students’ and staff accommodation, conference centre, green energy, water recycling and treatment centre.
