By Staff Reporter
A war of words has erupted between the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) and a fertilizer manufacturing company seeking to establish operations in Dowa District, with each side blaming the other for delays in the project’s approval.
The controversy follows claims by businessman Napoleon Dzombe, who recently expressed frustration over the prolonged wait for approval, saying uncertainty surrounding MEPA’s clearance process has left him unable to determine when the factory will begin operations.Business tycoon Dzombe hails local organisation, calls for hard work
However, MEPA has strongly rejected accusations that it is responsible for the delay.
In a statement, the environmental regulator said it had already reviewed the project and provided the company with specific requirements and recommendations that needed to be addressed before a licence could be granted. According to MEPA, the company took nine months to respond to the issues raised, a development the authority says significantly contributed to the delay.
MEPA further explained that after receiving the required report in March this year, its technical and governing structures reviewed the submission through May in line with legal procedures that allow up to 60 working days for assessment.Napoleon Dzombe Nears Completion of Fertilizer Factory in Dowa as Malawi Eyes Local Production Boost
The authority says it is now waiting for an additional report from the company before reaching a final decision on whether the project can proceed.
The dispute has attracted public attention due to the potential economic benefits the fertilizer factory could bring, including job creation, increased local production and reduced dependence on imported fertilizer.
Environmental expert Gracian Kamnyamata says the issue should be resolved through strict adherence to established procedures rather than public accusations.
“If the company has fulfilled all environmental and regulatory requirements, approval should be granted without unnecessary delays. However, if there are outstanding issues, the company must address them before operations can commence,” Kamnyamata said.MCP youth leadership admits people not happy with MCP
The standoff now leaves many Malawians waiting to see whether the project will move forward or face further delays, as questions continue to be raised about accountability, transparency and efficiency in the approval process.
For now, the ball appears to be in the company’s court as MEPA awaits the final documentation needed to make its determination.