Chitipa district commissioner Charles Mhone has announced plans to enforce modern building standards as part of efforts to improve urban planning and transform the face of Chitipa Boma.
He expressed the sentiments on Saturday during a meeting with property owners in the district, adding that the council is committed to ensuring that development in the growing urban centre is properly guided in accordance with approved building by-laws.
Said Mhone: “Chitipa District Council approved building by-laws in 2026, which require every developer in designated areas to construct according to set minimum standards.
| Aliko Munde
“As Chitipa continues to grow into an urban centre, we want it to be well planned so that development activities are properly controlled. Without control, our town will not be attractive.”
One of the property owners, Nelson Simwinga, said the meeting helped to clarify the district’s vision for urban transformation.
“Chitipa looks like an old village because many buildings are dilapidated and poorly maintained. This initiative will help change the face of the district because property owners now understand what the council expects through the new by-laws,” he said.
Chitipa Physical Planning Committee chairperson Patrick Ziba said the initiative reflects shared responsibility among stakeholders in advancing development aligned with Malawi 2063, the country’s long-term development plan.
“The message has reached the right people who have the capacity to transform Chitipa. I am encouraged that participants have embraced the initiative,” he said.
The Urban Structure Plan is being supported by the World Bank through the Regional Climate Resilience Programme.
