The Buildings Department says it is yet to assess the condition of State Residences to ascertain the cost of maintenance amid claims that the facilities were ‘vandalised’ during the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration.
Deputy director for buildings and architect services Limbikani Sukasuka said this in response to The Nation enquiries that followed claims by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration that the State Residences were in a state of disrepair following purported acts of vandalism.
vandalism happened. | Nation
“No, our department has not yet assessed the condition of the State Residences since the change of administration, meaning there are no preliminary cost estimates for damages or repairs,” he said..
The Buildings Department is the technical arm of government responsible for building works of public infrastructure.
Sukasuka also clarified on the chain of command, saying the Department of Housing, currently under Ministry of Lands, deals with estate management issues while the Buildings Department comes in on request.
“The Buildings Department does not get funding for development or maintenance of any property,” he said.
On Friday, a planned media tour of Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe was cancelled, deepening public curiosity about the alleged vandalism at State Residences that is said to have delayed newly inaugurated President Peter Mutharika’s relocation to Lilongwe.
Office of the President and Cabinet director of communication Victor Sibale, who was facilitating the tour, told reporters that the inspection could not proceed because key personnel meant to lead the exercise were not available as the President was in the Southern Region.
Immediate-past State Residences chief of staff Prince Kapondamgaga earlier dismissed claims by DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba that Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe is not fit for occupation.
Namalomba, in an earlier interview, claimed that Kamuzu Palace was vandalised and undergoing maintenance before Mutharika’s relocation to the capital city.
In a national address on September 24 2025 when conceding defeat in the September 16 General Election, immediate-past president Lazarus Chakwera said he ordered his team to have the residences in good order.
