Hospital dream leaves victims

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences’ (Kuhes) proposed $1 billion (about K1.7 trillion) Teaching Hospital and Hospital City in Chileka, Blantyre, was unveiled as a transformative project that would strengthen Malawi’s healthcare system. Four years later, the project has instead become a symbol of uncertainty, broken promises and communities left waiting. The development was expected to improve specialised healthcare, strengthen medical training and reduce costly overseas referrals.

Instead, hundreds of families who surrendered control of their land are asking when the promised hospital will be built. In June 2022, Kuhes, through Blantyre District Council, began compulsory acquisition of nearly 387 hectares under Senior Chief Kuntaja. Government valuers assessed properties belonging to about 500 farming households across 12 villages—Kammata, Denga, Mbedza, Kumanda, Tamvekenji, Dzineso, Lemu, Gomeza, Lipugama, Temani, Magombo and Chuma.

Since then, residents say there has been little communication on compensation, construction or the project’s future. Many families say they stopped developing their land after government instructed them to do so, expecting relocation and compensation. Some reduced farming and sold livestock, believing the project would begin soon.

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Others who bought plots for homes and businesses say they are trapped, unable to develop their properties yet given no indication of when the project will start. Frustrated by years of inactivity, several landowners have resumed construction. Ricky Kantema, chairperson of the committee representing affected landowners, said prolonged inactivity, poor communication and lack of transparency had fuelled public anger.

He said denying people the use of their land without compensation or visible progress had undermined public trust. “The prolonged delay raises serious questions about public accountability,” he said. A resident, who declined to be named, said communities had reached breaking point.

“Life must go on despite the looming threat of future eviction hanging over our already erected structures and freshly laid foundations,” she said. She said residents supported development but could not continue putting their lives on hold indefinitely.

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