A tribunal comprising three traditional authorities (T/As) has faulted President Lazarus Chakwera’s chief adviser on rural transformation and development Adamson Mkandawire on the manner he acquired land in Euthini, Mzimba.
The tribunal comprising T/As Mpherembe, Mtwalo and Kampingo Sibande heard the matter on Friday and found that the presidential aide flouted procedures when obtaining the land.
In an interview yesterday, T/A Mpherembe said: “It is true that we handled the matter. We faulted the procedure that he [Mkandawire] followed to secure the land. We have since resolved that he starts the process afresh.”
Mkandawire is said to have started clearing the land located in T/A Chindi’s area reportedly to mount a maize milling plant before seeking approval from the group village head Eliya Shaba, who owns the land.
Following the land owners’ protests, the project was halted to pave the way for a hearing which Paramount Chief M’Mbelwa V reportedly summoned to resolve the matter.
Mpherembe said when an investor plans to start a business in the district, he is supposed to obtain approval from the responsible villages first.
“In this case, the responsible village head was not approached. Hence, our decision that he should start all over again by consulting the rightful land owners,” he said.
Mpherembe also faulted T/A Chindi’s relation, Vuso Jere, who he said was acting as Mkandawire’s agent in the land deal.
Jere could not be reached for his comment.
But Mkandawire, in an interview, insisted that he secured the land procedurally.
He said: “I approached Paramount Chief Mbelwa to help in allocating land for a community project which he did. And he sent T/A Mpherembe to link up with the communities there. That’s what I know. Regarding the wrangles, I am not aware because there is none.”
Mkandawire further expressed ignorance on the hearing held on Friday.
He said the project was personal, but is expected to help communities in the area where he has previously contested for the Mzimba Central Constituency parliamentary seat.
