The
Ministry of Lands has assured residents under Traditional Authority Mwadzama in
Nkhotakota that the government will not forcibly acquire land for the proposed
Ethanol Company investment.
Acting
Commissioner for Valuation, Cynthia Chisanu, said the government will strictly
follow legal procedures in acquiring land for the project, which is expected to
establish a sugarcane production estate and a fertilizer manufacturing plant.
Chisanu
made the remarks during a stakeholders' interface meeting organized by Ethanol
Company, which brought together sugarcane growers, traditional leaders and
civil society organizations.
She
said the Ministry of Lands, in collaboration with officials from the Nkhotakota
District Council, is currently conducting a feasibility study to determine
whether the identified land is suitable for the proposed development.
"The
government will not acquire anyone's land by force. We are following the
required legal procedures, and the feasibility study will help determine the
suitability of the land for the proposed investment," Chisanu said.
She
added that once the feasibility study is completed, the ministry will engage
the affected communities to provide updates on the project's progress and
discuss the way forward.
"After
completing the feasibility study, we will meet with the concerned communities
to share the findings and ensure they are fully informed before the project
proceeds," she added.
Chimoto: Early engagement helps prevent misunderstandings
Member
of Parliament for the constituency, Skeffa Chimoto, welcomed the proposed
investment, describing it as a major opportunity to transform the area through
employment creation and economic development.
"This
is a good development. The Ethanol investment has the potential to transform
the local community through job creation and economic growth," said
Chimoto.
However,
he urged government officials and project developers to prioritize community
engagement by ensuring that residents are adequately sensitized before
implementing the project.
"Communities
must be properly informed about development projects in their areas. Early
engagement helps prevent misunderstandings, builds trust and encourages local
participation," he said.
Meanwhile,
some Group Village Headmen under Traditional Authority Mwadzama expressed
concern over the manner in which officials from the Nkhotakota District Council
handled the initial stages of the project.
The
traditional leaders said they should have been consulted and adequately
sensitized before plans for the proposed sugarcane production project were
introduced.
Once
implemented, the project is expected to create employment opportunities,
stimulate economic activity and contribute to the socio-economic development of
communities in the area.
