The land distribution exercise for 90 households was scheduled for last December, but it has yet to commence, even after 10 months.

In a written response on Tuesday, Thyolo District Commissioner Hudson Kuphanga attributed the delay to financial challenges. However, he noted that the development of the layout plan is underway after purchasing the 95-hectare land, where a perimeter survey has already been conducted.

“The layout plan is in its final stage, and the relocation will be implemented immediately upon its completion. The delay has primarily been due to financial constraints. A total of 90 households are expected to be relocated to the new area,” Kuphanga said.

Meanwhile, Group Village Headman Khongono has urged the council to expedite the relocation process, as some villagers have desperately returned to the flood-prone area.

“I am concerned about the plight of these people, as they lack proper dwelling places. I am surprised that I signed for all the compensations a long time ago. The district council needs to quickly facilitate their relocation since some are returning to those areas,” he said.

Last year, the Department of Disaster and Management Affairs (DoDMA) disbursed K16 million as compensation for the owners of the land identified by the district council as the new home for the households.

This followed a 2023 Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) recommendation for the relocation of the families in Traditional Authority Changata before the last rainy season, after the cyclone turned their villages into a river.