The revamped red star campaign being championed by Blantyre City Council (BCC) has hit the snag following an injunction obtained by property owners in the commercial capital.
The injunction restrain the Council from demolishing some of the buildings which are said to have passed its life span as they were built during one Party era under Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
According to the copy of the injunction seen by FaceofMalawi served to Blantyre City Council, property owners are arguing that some of the buildings earmarked for demolition were approved by the same council less than ten years ago.
“First, the is evidence that some of the properties were constructed with plans approved by the city council and now about five years down the line they are saying the property is not safe for human habitation.
“Secondly, BCC’s decision boarders on condemnation. They are making a decision that will affect rights of the citizens, but none of them was invited for a hearing. The whole process is irregular and unjust, so for that we would like the court to review their decision and the court has granted us an injunction to that effect,” reads the copy.
Reacting to the injunction, BCC Public Relations Officer Anthony Kasunda said the Council still stick to its earlier plan and is observing the set deadline of March 31, 2016.
President Peter Mutharika in February last year revamped the Red Star Campaign that would see some buildings in Blantyre City being pulled down completely and others being renovated in a bid to make the city beautiful and meet international standards.
BCC through the Red Star Campaign, has earmarked 161 buildings for demolition in central business districts of Limbe and Blantyre.
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