By Isaac Salima:
Disagreements between the Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) and its tenants over a rental increase appear to be escalating, with the landlord now threatening evictions.
Tenants have been protesting against rent increases ranging from 30 percent to 65 percent, implemented from May 1, 2026.
However, Sunday MHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bob Chimkango, through his official Facebook page, said the corporation would not engage with those protesting the increases.
“I have directed Malawi Housing Corporation regional managers to start evicting people from the first month [May]. If you cannot afford our houses, then go back to your home village,” he wrote.
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The newly appointed CEO also disputed claims that MHC does not maintain its properties.
“When you came into the house it was beautiful. Now it is in disarray. We should have raised the rent by 2321 percent. I have calculated. If you do not like the house, please leave,” Chimkango said.
His remarks attracted mixed reactions, with some accusing him of airing the matter on social media, while others praised his firm stance.
The tenants, whose spokesperson is Goodnews Mphande, accused MHC officials of having a hidden agenda.
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“The CEO was appointed to serve the people, but he seems to have hidden motives. When we met the minister, we complained that politicians tend to influence these rent increases so that when we fail to pay, we are evicted and they can buy the houses at a lower price,” Mphande said.
He added that the current economic situation makes it difficult for tenants to cope with higher rents.
“People are struggling with the rising cost of living. How many companies have increased salaries for their employees? Government itself has increased salaries for its employees by 20 percent, yet they want to burden us with increases of over 30 percent,” he said.
Last week, tenants met Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Chimwemwe Chipungu, where they raised their concerns.
They told the minister that MHC previously increased rents by about 10 percent, which they described as reasonable.
However, the minister did not commit to reversing the increases. He said adjustments would not be uniform and would range between 10 percent and 100 percent.
Economist Mavin Banda has criticised Chimkango for failing to engage tenants.
“A controlling officer serves the interests of the people under Section 12 of the Constitution. These houses are meant to serve Malawians, and when people raise concerns, it is better to sit at the table and listen,” Banda said.
