Malawi: MCP Confirms K132 Million Debt to Blantyre City Council, Pledges Payment

10 March 2026
Nyasa Times (Leeds)

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has officially confirmed that it owes the Blantyre City Council a total of K132 million in unpaid city rates and has pledged to settle the debt promptly.

The acknowledgment comes after the council temporarily closed MCP's offices in Blantyre for failure to honor city rental obligations. Party spokesperson Professor Jessie Kabwira said on Monday, "We acknowledge the debt and will pay the accrued amount," signaling the party's commitment to resolving the matter and maintaining good standing with city authorities.

Blantyre City Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman confirmed the figure, noting that MCP's arrears have accumulated over several years. "The MCP, as a tenant of city-owned properties, has accumulated K132 million in unpaid rates. The closure was necessary to enforce compliance and ensure that city revenues are collected fairly from all tenants," he stated.

According to council records, MCP's outstanding rates have been accruing over a period of several years. Despite repeated reminders and notices, payments were not made, leading the council to take decisive action. The closure, though temporary, served as a strong message that city rentals and rates must be honored by all occupants, including political organizations.

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

The closure affected other institutions as well. Central East African Railways (CEAR), Malawi Housing Corporation, and Pacific Limited were also temporarily shut down for similar reasons. CEAR has since reopened after settling its outstanding dues with the council, highlighting the council's consistent enforcement policy.

City officials emphasized that the measures are part of a broader strategy to improve revenue collection, support city development, and ensure fairness among all tenants. "We are committed to enforcing compliance while allowing responsible tenants, including political parties, to regularize their obligations," Mayor Osman said.

MCP's public acknowledgment of the K132 million debt and pledge to pay is being viewed as a critical step toward addressing long-standing arrears and restoring confidence in the council's revenue collection efforts.

Read the original article on Nyasa Times.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2026 Nyasa Times. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.