The Mchinji Civil Society Organisations has denonuced the Mchinji district council’s decision to sell the airfield land, saying the council has several development priorities that could be implemented on the land.
This follows reports from the council about plans to sell the airfield land on grounds of idleness.
Attempts to speak to the chairperson responsible for land and natural resources at the council were unsuccessful, as their mobile phone was not reachable.
The Chairperson for CSOs in the district Aubrey Chidziwitsano, says the council’s decision is unacceptable and argues that the district council has many development needs that could be implemented on the land, including education, health, and other social infrastructure projects.
“This is not the first time the council has sold land. Recently, it sold another piece of land near Bua School, but the proceeds from that sale were not transparently explained to the public,” said Chidziwitsano.
Chidziwitsano added that they are organizing a meeting with council officials to discuss the future of the issue.
Meanwhile, one of the concerned citizens from the district, Japheth Banda also expressed opposition to the council's plan, saying the land is crucial for development purposes in the district and plays an important role in the district.
“That land supports many activities. The military also uses the area, so the council should carefully reconsider this decision,” said Banda.
Banda also echoed concerns over the earlier land sale near Bua school, noting that the proceeds from that transaction were not adequately explained to the public.
