Life After Maula (Prison) Maula Prison has hosted the high and low of our society for various reasons. It is located in Area 6, another enviable zip code in Lilongwe due to its centrality and convenience. A new, larger and modern prison facility is currently under construction a few kilometers east on the Mchinji Road. I asked a civil servant what plans they have for Maula after the prison is transferred. He said, we may turn it into a secondary school. I suppose that would be possible and very interesting too, considering the history of the place. Im just not sure if thats the next best use of this prime land. Im also not sure if this perhaps could open room for debate into potential options. Land is a crucial element in the factors of production (and productivity); next to enterprise, labor and capital. Lilongwe has no single museum. No dedicated fine and performing arts centre. Very few tourist attractions besides the animal zoo (yes, the sanctuary!). Only one (dilapidated) youth centre. No technology zone where IT companies could co-locate (like theyre doing In Kenya and Rwanda pompa apa!). No theme park. No zoo. No aquarium. No arts village (forget about the car park outside Old Town post office). The list of amenities befitting a modern capital city could go on if you get my drift. So, what should become of Maula Prison so its transformed into the next best thing in Lilongwe (assuming some chejumo somewhere has not already gotten approval for another modern squatter camp)?
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 09:03:24 +0000