There’s been some negative backlash to Madonna’s plan to build a girls’ school in Blantyre, Malawi. According to Us magazine, the government is forcing the relocation of 200 villagers to make room for the project.
A government worker informed the 200 villagers yesterday (February 11) that the land in dispute was sold to Madonna and they have to move.
Future school principal Anjimile Mtila-Oponyo said the singer paid the villagers more than 16 million kwacha (about $115,000) to compensate them for their houses.
Residents oppose Madonna’s project and are refusing to leave Blantyre. They threaten to block it if they do not receive more money.
According to Mtila-Oponyo and the Lilongwe District Commissioner Charles Kalemba, residents have been adequately compensated for their homes and have no reason to resist their relocation.
This school for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds will cost $15 million (U.S.) to build.