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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 37710, member: 636"]
Malawi officials settled land payment disputes with Ng'onga Village residents, allowing Portland Cement Limited to move forward with their plans in Balaka District. The Ministry of Lands team met on Thursday with local groups to announce that they had fixed all money issues. Land Secretary Davie Chilonga said they checked about 50 hectares for the factory and 190 hectares for mining last year. People complained about the payment amounts at first. Community groups worried the values were too low because of payment delays.

Portland Cement agreed to increase the payment amounts after talks with the government. Officials visited Balaka to tell affected families about the new deal. The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development helped villagers check that the numbers were fair. The Ministry will add 10% more money for land checked late last year and 30% more for earlier assessments. Chilonga told families they can hire their value checkers if they want.

Portland Cement's marketing head, Violet Vilili, said they can start building right away. The plant should open around September 2025, making more cement for local use. The company plans to make 800,000 metric tons each year, which means less need to buy from other countries. Senior Chief Nsamala liked the new payment plan and hopes the factory brings jobs to the area. CDEDI leader Sylvester Namiwa praised the government for listening to what people needed.
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