Delayed construction works on the M5 Lakeshore Road
* As he raises concern over the slow pace of works on the Benga–Nkhotakota stretch of the M5 Lakeshore Road
* Such penalties are meant to protect government and road users from the extra costs that come with prolonged construction
By Frank Humphreys, Malawi News Agency (MANA)
Minister of Transport & Public Works Jappie Mhango has stated that the Government will penalise contractors who fail to complete road projects within agreed timeframe.
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Mhango said this after raising concern over the slow pace of works on the Benga–Nkhotakota stretch of the M5 Lakeshore Road during a supervision tour of the road on Thursday.
Mhango said contractors who delay projects will bear the financial consequences of their own slow progress, adding that such penalties are meant to protect government and road users from the extra costs that come with prolonged construction.
The minister expressed dissatisfaction with progress on Lot 1 of the project, covering Benga to Nkhotakota, saying the contractor was falling behind the pace required to meet the August 2027 completion deadline.
He said physical progress on the Lot was not matching the time that had already elapsed on the 24-month contract: “My appeal to both the contractor and the consultant is to ensure that they increase the resources, resources in terms of equipment and humans, so that they can accelerate work on this project.”
Mhango warned that further delays would push up costs and inconvenience road users who are eager to benefit from the upgraded route.
He, however, commended the contractor handling Lot 2, from Nkhotakota to Dwangwa, where works have reached 46% completion — saying the constructor’s pace showed the capacity to deliver on time.
“The contractor on Lot 2 is much faster, we should be optimistic that by September next year, the project will be due for delivery, and the pace is moving, it’s quite possible” he said.
Roads Authority Chief Executive Officer, Joel Longwe, said the project’s slow start was largely due to the time taken to comply with environmental and social safeguard requirements demanded by financiers.
He was quick to indicate that the measures were now in place to recover lost time: “The contractor has been allowed to bring in additional equipment and personnel to catch up with progress.
“He is also working extended hours,” said Longwe, while expressing confidence that both Lots would be completed next year.
Roads Authority Chief Executive Officer, Joel Longwe
The approximately 102.5km road is being upgraded under the multinational SADC Sub-Regional Transport & Trade Facilitation Programme, with financing from the African Development Bank, the OPEC Fund for International Development, and the Government of Malawi.
Beyond road construction, the project has supported surrounding communities through the distribution of 1,000 bicycles to traders and farmers, and the training of 250 women and youth in road construction, maintenance, and financial literacy skills.
The completion of the road will improve connectivity and support economic activities along the Nkhotakota-Dwangwa corridor.
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