By Mercy Matonga:
As Malawi joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Habitat Day today, recent figures from Habitat for Humanity show that over 62 percent of Malawians do not own proper housing.
Habitat for Humanity Advocacy Coordinator in Malawi Chrispin Chavula said most of these substandard homes are characterised by mud walls and grass-thatched roofs and, to meet the current housing demand, UN Habitat estimates that 25,000 new units must be constructed in Malawi each year.
“The housing conditions in the country are dire and, if not addressed, will continue to lead to a rise in informal settlements,” Chavula said.
He also said that disasters that the country faced in recent years have severely affected the quality of housing in Malawi.
“Unfortunately, progress has been hindered by the impact of the disasters. When disasters strike, housing is often the most affected, which further increases the housing deficit in the country,” he said.
Chavula added that many people in Malawi do not have legal land documents and live in fear of eviction, which affects their willingness to invest in the land and housing they occupy.
“The cost of housing continues to rise, which disadvantages the urban poor living in informal settlements and towns. The high cost of housing is evident in increased rental costs, evictions and the growth of shacks in informal settlements,” he said.
Minister of Lands Deus Gumba referred us to Principal Secretary in the ministry David Chilonga.
Chilonga said he did not have an immediate response on the matter.
“I have sent the questionnaire to the relevant directorate for a response, and I will respond once they respond,” Chilonga said.
In 2023, Tropical Cyclone Freddy affected 882,989 houses across the country, while in 2022, Tropical Storm Ana and Cyclone Gombe displaced 22,364 and 11,008 households, respectively.
World Habitat Day is commemorated on the first Monday of the month of October. This year, the day is being commemorated under the theme: ‘Engaging youth to create a better urban future.’
0 Comments