By Jones Gadama
Malawi’s Valuation Tribunal has officially commenced operations, providing a platform for citizens to address property valuation grievances.
According to Gray Thindwa, Chairperson of the Valuation Tribunal, the establishment of this body will ensure properties are accurately valued, reflecting their true worth.
Thindwa emphasized that those who fail to set realistic values will be held accountable.
The tribunal’s primary objective is to bring fairness and transparency to the valuation process, protecting property owners from unscrupulous valuers.
Mickson Chiundira, Commissioner for Estate Management and Valuation in the Ministry of Lands, highlighted the tribunal’s role in sanitizing the sector, promoting trust among clients, and preventing fraud.
Chiundira also noted that financial institutions have previously incurred losses due to inaccurate property valuations.
However, with the Valuation Tribunal now operational, such cases are expected to decline significantly.
The Ministry of Lands has pledged full support to the tribunal, urging its members to adhere to governing laws.
The Valuation Tribunal’s establishment is seen as a progressive step in implementing the Customary Land Act and Lands Act.
However, concerns have been raised about the incomplete operationalization of District Land Tribunals and inadequate gender representation in land governance bodies.
Despite these challenges, the Valuation Tribunal is poised to make a positive impact on Malawi’s property valuation landscape.
The Valuation Tribunal can be accessed by individuals dissatisfied with the Valuation Board’s decisions.
Its establishment marks a significant milestone in Malawi’s land governance, aiming to provide improved access to justice for communities occupying customary land.
