k100bn hotel project in limbo
The multibillion kwacha resort project the Portuguese construction conglomerate Mota-Engil wants to undertake in Monkey Bay, Mangochi, is in limbo following a land dispute.
According to a source close to the matter, Mota-Engil has threatened to withdraw from the project unless government seriously commits to it.
The company, in partnership with the Malawi Government under the Public Private Partnership (PPP), plans to construct a world-class tourist attraction comprising a five-star hotel, an airport and an 18-hole golf course in Traditional Authority (T/A) Nankumba’s area in the district.
However, the source said yesterday that the 160 million euro (about K100 billion) facelift to the tourist attraction district of Mangochi now hangs in balance over unresolved issues, including the recent fracas by villagers who are protesting giving up their land.
“As government, [it] provided land for the hotel, but the investor requested for additional land to construct the golf course and airport.
“That additional land is yet to be identified and it might not be easy to do so following the chaos that ensued recently,” said the source.
One person died and several others were injured when villagers from T/A Nankumba accused their chief alongside Mota-Engil for allegedly influencing their relocation to pave the way for the project.
On the basis of these developments, according to the source, Mota-Engil is re-considering its involvement in the project as “it expressed shock at the death and injuries to which government has not yet commented on”.
The source said Mota-Engil is contemplating a complete withdrawal from the project, a position to be communicated through the Ministry of Information, Tourism and Culture.
But Minister of Information Kondwani Nankhumwa on Friday said he was yet to be communicated to by Mota-Engil.
However, the company’s public relations and media consultant, Thomas Chafunya, said Mota-Engil will decide the next course of action after further consultations.
“We are still consulting with other stakeholders who include government, management and the board of Mota-Engil to discuss the way forward.
“We shall be able to make a decision in due course based on these discussions,” said Chafunya.
A recent report in The Daily Times quoted police and T/A Nankumba that villagers from Sumbi Village stormed a hall where the chief was conducting an Area Development Committee (ADC) meeting, baying for his blood.
They accused him of favouring Mota-Engil officials at the expense of their well-being.
A 21-one-year-old Ken Gana reportedly died during the pandemonium that ensued.
In a statement in reaction to the development, Mota-Engil expressed shock at the manner the company’s name is being dragged into the fracas.
“The people of Malawi will be updated on their further position as soon as they get proper briefing from Malawian authorities,” read part of a statement from the company.
