James Kanyangalazi, the District Commissioner for Kasungu, has expressed optimism regarding the relocation of residents from the 12-year-old Nthunduwala camp to a more suitable location, ideally before the onset of the new farming season.
The cramped half-acre camp, situated approximately 70 kilometers west of Kasungu Boma, currently accommodates 127 households totaling around 380 individuals. These families were rendered homeless after being evicted from tobacco estates where they worked as tenants.
Following retrenchments in the mid-1990s, these families migrated to Zambia, where they worked on farms encroaching upon the western side of Kasungu National Park. However, they were eventually expelled and relocated to Nthunduwala in 2012 under the impression that it would be a temporary arrangement lasting only a week.
Despite over a decade passing since their arrival, the families continue to endure harsh living conditions, described as inhumane by Hastings Kalima, the Coordinator for Kasungu at the Catholic Centre for Justice and Peace.
In a recent interview, Kanyangalazi revealed plans to establish a task force to engage relevant authorities in discussions aimed at identifying suitable land for relocation, with hopes of facilitating resettlement later this year to enable families to cultivate their crops.
These developments come on the heels of a two-day meeting organized by the Kasungu District Peace and Unity Committee (DPUC) to address the challenges hindering the relocation process and explore solutions to expedite resettlement.
Kanyangalazi acknowledged previous unsuccessful attempts, dating back to 2015, to settle the families on identified land due to various constraints, including financial limitations.
The newly formed task force comprises representatives from civil society, non-governmental organizations, and independent individuals, with a collective objective to streamline efforts and accelerate the relocation process.
Kate Chibwana Nkhata, chairperson of the task force, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to secure land for the families, enabling them to lead independent and productive lives.
Francis Mkandawire, a commissioner from Malawi Peace and Unity (MPUC), highlighted the protracted suffering endured by the camp residents and urged the task force to expedite its efforts to safeguard their rights.
Jailosi Bonongwe, Member of Parliament for Kasungu West Constituency, cautioned against political interference, urging task force members to prioritize the well-being of the families and work collectively towards finding a solution.
