As one way of implementing the red star campaign, Blantyre City Council (BCC) shall with effect from 1st March, 2016 commence formal demolition exercise of the buildings that have been recommended for such by the red star taskforce.
President Peter Mutharika revived the Red Star Campaign on 25th February, 2015 with an objective to provide opportunities for replacing dilapidated buildings with modern ones that meet the present living and business infrastructure standards and to improve the urban environment and cityscape.
Briefing journalists in Blantyre on the progress of the red star campaign, Wild Ndipo, Deputy Mayor for Blantyre City said the red star taskforce made verification exercise in Limbe and Blantyre where everything went on well.
“BCC carried verification in Blantyre City where 91 properties were inspected in Limbe and 87 recommended for demolition and in Blantyre 189 properties were inspected and 74 recommended for demolition.
“Looking at these figures you can see that Blantyre City is not in good shape and there is more to be done to ensure that the city is staying modern.
“Let me say that all buildings were assessed in Blantyre and proper channels were followed. The exercise is moving slowly yes because we have taken a multi-sectoral approach where each and every aspect has to be taken on board,” said Ndipo.
Ndipo who is also chairperson of the main organizing committee of the campaign said BCC has already started distributing letters to owners of all buildings that are targeted in the exercise.
He said BCC has set October 30, 2015 as the last day to receive acknowledgements by developers and shall from October 19 to 24 start the red star painting to all buildings that are targeted.
BCC’s Director of Planning and Services, Costly Chanza said city residents have shown that they have welcomed the campaign adding business people are happy with the initiative.
Chanza said BCC is ready to challenge anyone with a contrast view on the matter and has already put a legal team in place.
“I know there might be a few people who are against this idea but I have to say here that every department in government has been involved and they are ready to take any challenge.
“However, BCC is welcoming all concerns from people and where possible shall be addressed,” said Chanza adding shortly the council will produce demolition guidelines to avoid affecting others.
