The Ministry of Lands has issued an official apology to a client, Paul Lungu, acknowledging acts of maladministration and unfair treatment during the processing of his plot application.
The ministry has since allocated a plot to Lungu following an application which he made in 2006.
This comes after a determination by the Ombudsman, which faulted the Ministry of Lands for failing to allocate a plot to Lungu after his application remained dormant in the Ministry’s system for 18 years, until he filed a complaint with the Ombudsman’s Office in 2022.
In a letter dated November 13, 2024, addressed to Lungu via the Office of the Ombudsman, Commissioner for Lands Precious Tembo writes: “The Ministry admits wrongdoing for failing to respond to repeated communications from the applicant and neglecting to allocate a plot despite assurances made during multiple meetings.
- Advertisement -
“We apologise for the unfair treatment and acts of maladministration that were occasioned through your plot application,” reads the letter.
- Advertisement -
Tembo also expressed regret for the ministry’s lack of responsiveness to Lungu’s enquiries and failure to fulfil its commitments.
The ministry has since reaffirmed its commitment to serving Malawians and ensuring fair administrative practices in the future.
The acknowledgement comes amid broader scrutiny of public sector accountability in the country as the Office of the Ombudsman continues to address cases of maladministration.
On October 27, 2024, the Ombudsman Grace Malera gave the ministry a 90-day ultimatum to compile a list of all pending land applicants and to process them accordingly.
- Advertisement -
Spokesperson for the Office of the Ombudsman Mandy Pondani said the office has not yet received the compilation as demanded in the determination; but hailed the ministry for complying with the major recommendation in the order.
“This is one of the cases where there has been speedy compliance with a determination from the Ombudsman, and we are happy. We hope that the Ministry of Lands will promptly act on the remaining directives,” Pondani said.
In the determination, the Ombudsman said investigations revealed that the ministry failed to properly handle land allocations between 2004 and 2020, violating its first-come, first-served policy.
“Every person should have equal opportunity to own a plot in this country on a first-come, first-served basis,” Malera said.
Three weeks ago, Tembo said the ministry would comply with the determination.
“We have welcomed the determination by the office of the ombudsman, and we will also apologise to Paul Lungu as directed,” Tembo said.
