Allick Munthali who is the Acting Director of Planning and Development at Nkhotakota District Council , which facilitated the conducting of the survey, expressed optimism in an interview today, that the report shall be accepted by all concerned parties, as they were involved in the exercise.

"We started with community engagements, we had to develop an action plan then we had officials from the Ministry of Lands. The process was done, what is remaining now is that they should give us a report," said Munthali.

Illovo Sugar Company agreed with Nkhotakota District Council, as well as the community members, to let the Ministry conduct the survey.

The decision followed the recording of numerous complaints at the council, to do with alleged land encroachment, involving the two parties.

The Nkhotakota District Council Acting Director of Planning and Development, has since described the conducting of the survey as a step forward, in restoring peace.

"It is going to give us basis on the actual areas we suspect have encroachment incidents," he said.

Meanwhile, Senior Chief Kanyenda of the area says he expects that there shall be mutual understanding between the two parties should there be encroachment incidents.

"The exercise will clearly show where the land for Illovo Sugar Company ends. With the involvement of all parties, the company officials may say, let us leave this land for the people . This will help prevent conflicts which have been there, " said the traditional leader.

Boundaries of the 48.9 kilometer estate, were formulated in 1982.