By Dean Chisambo
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre constituency, Alfred Jiya, has urged the Minister of Lands to expedite the implementation of the slum upgrading program.
Jiya made these remarks in Parliament on Tuesday after questioning the Minister of Lands, James Gumba, on when the government would embark on the initiative.
He expressed concern that people in his constituency have waited for a long time, anticipating relocation to Mchesi Township to allow for the upgrading of their areas. However, to date, no tangible progress has been made.
Despite the delay, Jiya expressed satisfaction with the minister’s response, as Gumba assured him that the project is in progress.
He stated: “This is one of the good news that the people in my constituency wanted to hear.”
The legislator further explained that once the project is implemented, Lilongwe will no longer have slums within the city.
Jiya emphasized that the upgraded infrastructure in these areas—including roads, water systems, and electricity—will be well-organized, resembling developments in advanced countries.
He stressed that the project will not only benefit residents of Chimoka, Ng’oma, Mgona, and surrounding areas but will also enhance the entire capital city of Malawi.
The government introduced the slum upgrading program in 2023 to improve housing conditions in urban areas across the country, ensuring that all citizens have access to better living standards.
