By Jimmy Chazama:
The Construction Industry Regulatory Authority (CIRA) on Thursday announced new measures for 2026. The measures are aimed at tightening oversight of construction projects across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lilongwe on Wednesday, CIRA Chief Executive Officer, engineer Gerald Khonje, said all clients and procuring entities must now integrate infrastructure technical audits into their project governance frameworks. Khonje said the authority would issue directives, impose penalties and stop projects that fail to comply with provisions of the Construction Industry Act of 2025.
He added that ministries, departments, agencies, local councils, statutory corporations and major asset-holding institutions were required to conduct infrastructure asset audits or surveys.
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“These will help establish inventories of national infrastructure, assess conditions and risks, and guide maintenance planning to safeguard public investments,” Khonje said.
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He said 2026 is an execution year, when industry players must demonstrate higher performance and integrity. The authority has since issued a communiqué to all industry stakeholders which outlines obligations for contractors, consultants and suppliers, including on issues such as valid licensing, timely payment of statutory levies and adherence to technical standards.
All major projects must embed training, mentorship and technology transfer programmes to strengthen local skills. Cira has also migrated to digital systems, requiring firms to process licensing, registration, levy payments and compliance reporting online. It said automation would make processes faster and ensure that only qualified companies operate in the sector.
“The built environment must be safe, durable and delivered with integrity. We are urging all stakeholders to comply fully with the new directives,” the communiqué indicates.
Cira, which was established under the Construction Industry Act of 2025, has a national mandate to regulate, promote and develop Malawi’s construction sector.
