Government is losing millions of kwacha as politically connected tenants are allegedly evading rent and intimidating officials tasked with enforcing lease agreements for State houses.
Minister of Lands and Housing Chimwemwe Chipungu told Parliament last week that some politicians and their associates are abusing their influence to evade paying rent on government properties, thereby undermining efforts to recover arrears.
“In some instances, threats in different forms are used against public officers,” he said in a ministerial statement.
But he warned that the current administration will not tolerate such conduct.
Said Chipungu: “Nobody will be allowed to use political influence to evade obligations under tenancy agreements.”
Meanwhile, Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) has corroborated the minister’s claims, describing a pattern of interference that has made it difficult to manage public housing professionally.
In an interview yesterday, MHC spokesperson Ernestina Lunguzi said staff have faced intimidation while trying to enforce compliance, including a case where an individual allegedly brought a gun to their offices.
“The minister’s stance gives us confidence to operate professionally without interference,” she said.
Lunguzi, however, said the corporation needs more time to establish the full extent of outstanding arrears.
When contacted, Ministry of Lands and Housing spokesperson Stanley Nkhondoyachepa also said details on total government losses and recovery measures are still being compiled.
Meanwhile, governance experts have said the revelations point to a deeper, systemic problem.
Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency executive director Willy Kambwandira warned that political interference continues to cripple State-owned enterprises.
He said: “These institutions have become vehicles for political patronage rather than efficient public service providers.
“Decisions on tenancy, debt recovery and asset management are often captured by political interests.”
Kambwandira called for urgent reforms to shield public housing institutions from political pressure and ensure transparent enforcement of rental obligations.
“Without that, Malawians will continue subsidising the abuse of public resources by the politically privileged,” he said.
Government, through the Department of Housing, manages about 228 houses in Lilongwe and Blantyre, while MHC oversees roughly 6 400 units nationwide.
