Chitipa chief allocates land for refugee camp

Senior Chief Mwenewenya of Chitipa has allocated customary land at Mselema Village in the district for a proposed refugee camp.

A delegation from the Ministry of Homeland Security, Department of Refugees and Malawi Police Service on Sunday toured the proposed campsite.

Speaking after the tour, Senior Chief Mwenewenya said the land has been given to government because traditional leaders are willing to work towards government’s aspirations.

He, therefore, asked government to speed up implementation of the project.

The camp will bring with it amenities such as a health centre, school and road network that will benefit communities surrounding the camp.

He further appealed to government to put strict measures in screening refugees to avoid accommodating rebels and military people from the war torn countries.

Principal Secretary responsible for Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Homeland Security, Dr Steven Kayuni said government and other stakeholders will speed up establishment of the camp.

“Speed is of essence so that we have a refugee camp in Chitipa. This is a good piece of land, which is vast enough to decongest Dzaleka Refugee Camp.

Commissioner for Refugees in the Department of Refugees, General Ignacio Maulana (Rtd) said the Department will discuss with security agencies such Malawi Police Service, Malawi Defence Force about security issues raised.