Chinese investor dismisses Cdedi

China Lilongwe Grand Holding Corporation Limited has dismissed claims by the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives that there is a disparity between the artistic impression and the actual structures of the grand business park in Area 46, Lilongwe. Cdedi executive director Sylvester Namiwa claims in the letter that the investor was…

By Deogratias Mmana:

China Lilongwe Grand Holding Corporation Limited has dismissed claims by the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (Cdedi) that there is a disparity between the artistic impression and the actual structures of the grand business park in Area 46, Lilongwe.

In its letter to the Lilongwe City Council, Cdedi alleged that the council is at fault for allowing the investor to construct “a business park which is contrary to the original plan”.

Cdedi executive director Sylvester Namiwa claims in the letter that the investor was expected to construct “the largest business park in the whole Southern African Development Community region” and that the Government of Malawi allocated 20 hectares of land for that purpose.

“As you are reading this letter, Sir, China Holdings is floating adverts calling for Malawians to book spaces at the site. This is a clear sign that construction works are now complete.

“However, there is no sign of a grand shopping mall at the said place that can prompt someone to come from Zambia or Mozambique to shop as we were earlier made to believe,” the organisation alleges in the letter.

But China Lilongwe Grand Holding Corporation Limited Administrative Director Sherry Wang said Cdedi rushed to write the letter without understanding what is happening at the site.

“What we have done now is only the first phase. Other structures are coming,” Wang said, adding: “These guys do not know our plan.”

The first phase of the park was opened in September last year, when 200 rooms were available for various businesses.

At that time, Wang said the first phase of the project is valued at $40 million, adding that the cost of the entire project is $300 million when all phases are completed.

When all phases are completed, the park will have a shopping mall, high-rise office building, villas, five-star hotel and international conference centre.

The park will have supporting facilities such as building materials, electronics, home appliances, cars and auto parts and logistics and warehouses.