Nkhata-Bay town to expand towards Mkondezi

Nkhata-Bay District Council says it plans to expand Nkhata-Bay Town towards Mkondezi as part of efforts to ease congestion, improve urban planning and replace unplanned structures with modern and organised development.

Nkhata-Bay District Chairperson Hannock Kachingwe told Malawi24 that the proposed expansion would create space for a well-planned urban area capable of accommodating the district’s growing population and expanding business activities.

He said the council was concerned about the continued proliferation of unplanned structures, which he said was negatively affecting the town’s appearance, infrastructure and overall development.

Kachingwe warned that business premises, particularly shops, that fail to meet council standards would be demolished in accordance with new bylaws being introduced to regulate development and business activities.

He said the council would not allow business interests to undermine proper town planning and stressed that traders and property owners must comply with established standards.

The enforcement of the bylaws, he said, would help ensure that new developments were properly planned, safe and aligned with the town’s long-term development objectives.

Kachingwe also said Nkhata-Bay’s strategic location along the shores of Lake Malawi gave the town significant potential to become an attractive tourism and commercial destination.

However, he noted that the town had not fully capitalised on its lakeside location due to poor planning during its early development.

“Nkhata-Bay has a very good location, but because of the way it was planned in the past, the town does not reflect the potential that it has,” Kachingwe said.

He said the proposed expansion towards Mkondezi would provide additional space for planned development while reducing pressure on the existing town centre.

The expansion is also expected to create opportunities for new businesses and investment, while giving the council an opportunity to introduce proper zoning and infrastructure from the outset.

According to Kachingwe, consultations with various stakeholders were underway to gather their views and ensure that the proposed developments take into account the interests of residents, business operators and other stakeholders.

He said the council would continue engaging communities and businesses before implementing major aspects of the expansion plan.

Meanwhile, local businessperson James Zonga Msumba welcomed the proposed expansion and efforts to improve standards within Nkhata-Bay Town.

Msumba said the expansion would contribute to the orderly development of the town and create a more conducive environment for businesses to operate.

“Expanding Nkhata-Bay Town towards Mkondezi and promoting organised development would benefit both businesses and the district as a whole,” Msumba said.

He said a clean, properly planned and attractive town had the potential to attract more customers, tourists and investors.

Msumba urged traders to comply with council requirements and support efforts aimed at improving the town’s appearance, infrastructure and overall business environment.

Senior Chief Mkumbira also told Malawi24 that the proposed expansion was a positive development that would help address some of the challenges facing Nkhata-Bay Town.

“Expanding Nkhata-Bay Town towards Mkondezi is the right approach because it will create room for organised development and help the town grow in a properly planned manner,” Senior Chief Mkumbira said.

He said the expansion would benefit residents, businesses and the district by creating opportunities for investment and improving the overall appearance of the town.

Member of Parliament for Nkhata-Bay Central, Symon Vuwa Kanda, said business operators should view the new measures as an opportunity to create a better business environment rather than simply as restrictions on their activities.

“Business operators should view these measures as an opportunity to create a better and more sustainable business environment rather than seeing them simply as restrictions,” Kanda said.

He urged business operators and property owners to work closely with the council and comply with development standards to support the town’s long-term growth.

The proposed expansion and enforcement of development standards come at a time when Nkhata-Bay is seeking to strengthen its position as an important tourism, commercial and transport hub along the lakeshore.

The council is expected to continue consultations with stakeholders as it works towards implementing the proposed town expansion and improving urban planning in Nkhata-Bay.

The initiative is expected to provide additional space for residential, commercial and other developments while helping to address congestion and unplanned construction within the existing town centre.

If effectively implemented, the expansion could also enhance Nkhata-Bay’s attractiveness to tourists and investors while improving the provision of essential infrastructure and services.