Malawi’s roads are deteriorating at a worrisome rate. Major routes like the M1 and M5 and also various district and township roads are offering travellers torrid time.
The M1, despite generating more than K6 billion through two toll gates, remains riddled with potholes, worse so between Dedza and Chingeni in Balaka.
Sections from Balaka to Salima, Balaka to Zomba, and Mangochi to Monkey Bay are severely damaged, with some parts completely washed away.
The Parliamentary Cluster on Commissions, Statutory Corporations and Public Appointments last week heaped the blame on the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) for delaying roadwork project approvals.
“You are not helping the government with your parastatals that have been sabotaging the National Roads Authority by delaying the authorization of the rehabilitation of the roads,” co-chair of the committee, Binton Kutsaira, told PPDA’s Director General, Edington Chilapondwa.
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He further questioned the allocation of toll gate revenues, particularly concerning the M1 Road’s maintenance between Blantyre and Lilongwe.
However, Malawi News has accessed PPDA report submitted to the Parliamentary Cluster.
They reveal a comprehensive review of road construction project approvals.
According to the report, the PPDA has granted no objection for maintenance works totalling K579 billion and K23 billion for consultancy for the M1 Road and others.
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The scope of work encompasses various key segments, including the rehabilitation of stretches from Zalewa to Chingeni and periodic maintenance from Zalewa to Phombeya.
There is also construction of the Namikalango Bridge in Chikwawa District, refurbishment of parts of the Dedza to Ntcheu stretch, periodic maintenance from Karonga Roundabout to Chiweta and the upgrade of the M1/Crossroads-Junction Murray Road.
Chilapondwa defended the agency’s record.
“PPDA has never, at any point in time, delayed projects that need speedy resolution; we can’t be sabotaging our own people and government,” he said.
Portia Kajanga, the Roads Authority (RA) spokesperson, confirmed that the PPDA has sanctioned numerous contracts for road construction.
“It is indeed true that the PPDA has approved several contracts for road construction.
“However, we cannot confirm the exact figure you mentioned, as we are still finalizing some contracts and related procedures,” she said.
Kajanga added: “The specifics will be disclosed when we are prepared to publish them in the local print media, in accordance with legal requirements.”
The PPDA has recommended that the Roads Authority improve its project management practices to mitigate the issues of project delays and insufficient oversight.
Furthermore, it has called on the Project Delivery Unit (PDU) to ensure that government institutions are staffed with a sufficient number of qualified professionals.
Economic analyst Velli Nyirongo said the deteriorating condition of roads in Malawi means longer travel times, vehicle damage and logistical challenges, adversely affecting businesses, inflating costs and restricting access to essential services.
Nyirongo said there is apparent mismatch between the collection of road maintenance funds and their effective utilisation.
“Malawi is collecting funds for road maintenance, yet these resources seem to be used ineffectively.
“This inefficiency in some government sectors could erode public trust and complicate future fundraising for infrastructure projects,” he said.
He called on the government to promptly enhance the road network maintenance and ensure the judicious use of allocated funds Simpokolwe.
