Chikanda’s ‘Death Trap Hostel’ Finally Goes Down

The controversial upstairs hostel in Chikanda Township, Zombaonce branded a “death trap” by social media users has finally been demolished.

The building, located near the graveyard and close to the University of Malawi (UNIMA), became an online sensation last year after photos showed its second floor resting on what many described as a one-storey foundation.

Netizens accused the contractor and Zomba City Council of failing to inspect the project, warning it posed a serious risk to students and residents in the area.

Comments at the time slammed its “dubious cantilever beams” and called for it to be “torn down and rebuilt from the foundation.”

This week, those calls became reality. Demolition crews moved in, flattening the structure to make way for a properly designed hostel. Sources say the new building will meet safety standards and is expected to provide accommodation for students.

Locals have welcomed the move, with one resident saying: “At least now we can sleep knowing it won’t fall on someone’s head.”

The reconstruction marks the end of one of Zomba’s most talked-about building blunders and the start of what residents hope will be a safer, well-supervised project.