By Alick Ponje:
In a nation often weighed down by economic difficulties and other infrastructural bottlenecks, the transformation of Malawi’s road network is a beacon of hope.
Roads that were once abandoned and neglected for decades are now witnessing a remarkable rejuvenation.
The facelift of the country’s roads is not merely a sign of better infrastructure but a tangible manifestation of our potential to progress.
Among the cities most affected by this road network transformation is Lilongwe, the capital city.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit both Lilongwe and Nkhotakota and I could not help but be impressed by the dramatic changes taking place. The roads in Lilongwe, in particular, have undergone massive improvement.
The once chaotic, potholed streets are now undergoing rehabilitation, offering smoother travel experiences for the city’s residents and visitors alike. For a city that has long been embarrassed by its infrastructural shortcomings, this development comes as a refreshing change.
Imagine the embarrassment of taking friends or visitors to a city where roads were an eyesore and basic infrastructure like clean, functional roads were considered a luxury.
For years, this was the reality for many Malawians.
But today, Lilongwe Lilongwe’s roads are gradually becoming an advertisement of progress, demonstrating the power of governmental action and donor support. Perhaps the most impressive road project I witnessed was the ongoing reconstruction of the road between Salima and Nkhotakota, two key towns located on the shores of Lake Malawi.
The road is crucial to the transportation of heavy goods that link Malawi to international trade routes.
The importance of this road cannot be overstated, as it serves as a vital artery for economic activity, not just for large industries, but for the livelihoods of countless small businesses and farmers who rely on it for access to markets. While the Salima- Nkhotakota Road has been riddled with issues for years, the current reconstruction works signify a new chapter for those who use it.
Where once there were potholes, damaged sections and uneven surfaces that made travel hazardous, there is now a clear vision for a road that will eventually facilitate smoother, faster and safer movement of goods and people.
These transformations come at a time when many aspects of Malawi’s national development have not been as successful.
Corruption, political instability, unreliable public services and limited access to essential services like healthcare and education have hindered progress in various areas of society.
However, one area that has managed to witness improvement is the road network. Roads are the lifeblood of any economy and the fact that Malawi is slowly but surely revamping its infrastructure to match modern standards shows that there is room for optimism in certain sectors.
Imagine, for a moment, where Malawi would be if it had spent more time constructing new roads and improving existing ones over the years.
By now, the country would have an even more expansive and modern network that would be the envy of the region.
It would have enabled better access to rural areas, thus improving the livelihoods of farmers who rely on the ability to transport goods efficiently.
The focus would have shifted to enhancing village roads that connect rural communities to markets, health centres and schools, creating a more equitable society where people’s lives are less constrained by their geographic location.
The lack of rural roads has long been one of the major issues holding back rural economies in Malawi.
The absence of adequate road infrastructure in remote areas has resulted in farmers facing challenges in transporting their goods to urban centres for sale. With the revitalisation of the national road network, it is possible to see a future where village roads are prioritised, improving farmers’ access to markets, hospitals and other vital services.
The construction of these rural roads would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and make rural communities more integrated into the national economy. Looking at Malawi’s neighbouring countries, one can clearly see the difference in road networks.
Countries like Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique have invested heavily in expanding and upgrading their road networks, especially in rural areas. These countries are able to ensure that even their most remote regions are linked to urban centres and international markets.
Such investments have proven to be a crucial component of economic growth, as they reduce transportation costs and create more opportunities for trade and development. The pressure for Malawi to follow suit is now stronger than ever.
While it is true that many aspects of the country’s development have faced setbacks, the investment in road infrastructure cannot be ignored.
