Mangochi chief against relocation for hotel project
Group Village Head Msumbi of Traditional Authority (T/A) Nankumba in Mangochi has said his people will not leave their native land to pave the way for the construction of a five-star hotel along the shores of Monkey Bay.
Portuguese industrial conglomerate Mota-Engil, in partnership with Malawi Government, under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, intends to construct a world class tourist attraction, comprising a five-star hotel and an 18-hole golf course, a feat that would boost the country’s tourism potential.
But speaking last week at Monkey Bay Resource Centre Hall during a meeting the district commissioner (DC) for Mangochi organised with chiefs and some villagers, Msumbi said his subjects would not leave their ancestral land for a hotel.
“What I can assure you district commissioner is that there is no problem here as far as the construction of a five star hotel is concerned, but I am only against the idea of moving us away from our land. As a chief I will not accept that,” he said.
“There is some land in my area, which is approximately about one and half hectares where the five star hotel can be constructed. Mota-Engil should find another place for the construction of a golf course not in my area.”
Msumbi said the place where government wants to relocate them to was not habitable, adding that it has no potable water and is far away from the lake, considering that most people in the village earn their living through fishing.
But Mangochi DC Bester Mandere said they give more time to the chiefs to soberly discuss with their people on the matter.
“For now, the council will not take it that you have rejected the project. Instead we will give you ample time to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the whole project. Thereafter, you may wish to make a position known to our office,” he said.
Director of tourism Patricia Liabuba said government already adopted the five-star hotel master plan by Mota-Engil, adding that if the issue of relocation is resolved, Mota-Engil would start the construction.
She reminded traditional leaders that the project would create jobs for people in the area whereas the establishment of a tourism training college would enable the district to attain the status of a tourism city.
The problem here is either heads are not working or it is another case of gufamunti corruption. Here is why: If the people are rejecting the idea of moving to a place where there is no access to water as the chiefs are alleging, who can blame them?
If people used their heads this is what might have provided a mutual solution.
1. Let Mota construct standard houses for the people to be relocated in a place where they will be happy to go. With water and other utilities provided in these houses, they could be used as compensation for the land the people will forfeit for the hotel project. Which person in Malawi will say no to such a proposition?
2. Ministry of Tourism: Engage in Civic ejukwetion to allow the people appreciate the positive contribution the project will make in their lives such as; jobs as waiters, watchmen, gardeners, barmen, etc Farmers and fishermen would also find steady market for their produce once the hotel is finished. That Mangochi women have special ndege skills between sheets is an open secret. Assure them that these skills will bring them increased business from the highlands and far!!!!
It is all about assuring the people basi osangoti heyi, chokani apa tikufuna timangepo malo ogona alendo. Eeee amangwetu, kwele kutama?