Lands Acquisition Act, 1970 (No. 21 of 1970).

This Act provides for the power of the Minister to acquire land for public purposes and related matters. The Minister may, whenever he or she is of the opinion that it is desirable or expedient in the interests of Malawi so to do, acquire any land, either compulsorily or by agreement, paying such compensation therefor as may be agreed or determined under this Act. The procedures for acquisition foresee a preliminary investigation, a Notice of intention to acquire and a Notice to surrender property. Unless otherwise agreed between the parties fair compensation shall be assessed by the Minister. In calculating an assessment of compensation under this section no amount shall be included under paragraph (c) of subsection (2) in any case where the Minister is satisfied that the person entitled to the land has, either through absence from the country or otherwise, failed unreasonably to develop the land, or otherwise, failed unreasonably to develop the land, or in the case of agricultural land to cultivate or supervise it satisfactorily.