By Linda Kwanjana
The Government of Malawi through Ministry of Tourism has singled out development of the Likoma Activity Center on Likoma Island as one of the priorities in ten developments which government is under taking saying it will enhance tourism experience by developing an aquarium to promote awareness of Lake Malawi’s unique fish species.
In a press statement dated 25th September, 2024 signed by secretary for tourism, Chancy Simwaka, among others the development will also change outlook of Likoma Ireland as new modern facilities such as Casino, Luxurious Hotel, running tracks, waste management facilities, cruise ship, expansion of the Airport runway and terminal retail shops will be available.
“In line with the Government’s policy on investment and Trade Promotion, the Ministry of Tourism refers any potential investors to the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) as the focal point of contact for further processing of any expression of investment interest,” reads part of the statement.
The statement further said the Ministry of Tourism together with Ministry of Lands and Ministry of Local Government, Culture and Unity will collaborate with district councils to enhance sector investment in all the ten priority projects including the Development of the Likoma Activity Center on Likoma Island.
“Through these promotion, Augustus Gmbh expressed its interest to invest at Likoma Island, not only focusing on the Tourism sector but many others as well including Agriculture, Mining and Security and Health,” the statement further said.
The statement also remind the general public that in accordance with Land Laws of Malawi, amendment Act of 2022 it prohibits non- Malawian investors from buying the land in this country, as such, investors who are non- Malawians can only acquire land through MITC as derivative rights/sub-leases after satisfying investment requirements in accordance with the Law as investment transactions in Malawi are guided by the Constitution of Malawi and all applicable laws and policies.
Therefore, the ministry says these laws and policies are strictly observed by all relevant authorities with the aim of ensuring that all sector projects are both sustainable and beneficial to Malawians, especially the local communities.
In view of that the government has therefore cleared allegations that it does not have an agreement with any investor for the development of Likoma Island as indicated in the Malawi News dated 14th to 20th and 21st to 27th September, 2024.
“Therefore the allegations that the government is selling Likoma Island and consequently relocating the people are baseless,” the statement emphasized.
The Ministry of Tourism therefore reiterate that Likoma Island is not for sale and cannot be sold as Government will continue to engage various investors expressing interest to invest in identified priority areas including the Likoma Activity Center, ensuring that all times any proposed investment is legally acceptable for the benefit of Malawians.
