Minister of Transport & Public Works commissioning the rehabilitation project
* To involve reconstructing the pavement layers & re-surfacing; shoulder widening and resealing of selected sections
* Along with replacement of vandalised culverts, centre and edge line marking and installation of road signs
* Contractors are already on site and have started mobilising, clearing & grubbing, clearing potholes, and constructing diversions
Maravi Express
Major rehabilitation of the highly degraded Lilongwe-Blantyre M1 Road has began, which President Peter Mutharika complained of in May this year after experiencing its poor condition during his journey from Blantyre to the Capital that took nearly six hours due to potholes and its damaged sections.
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The works will involve reconstructing the pavement layers & re-surfacing; shoulder widening & resealing of selected sections; replacement of vandalised culverts, centre & edge line marking; and installation of road signs.
The contractors — which include Master/China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC); DEC/ACH/Mungo JV and Mkaka (as PBM Joint Venture) — are already on site and have started mobilising, clearing & grubbing, clearing potholes, and constructing diversions.
Minister of Transport & Public Works, Jappie Mhango, commissioned the K100 billion-worth project today, July 29 at Linthipe 1 Lobi Turn-off in Dedza District, describing the road as a critical artery that supports the country’s economy.
Mhango said the M1 plays a central role in transporting fuel, agricultural produce and other goods while connecting major cities and supporting trade, tourism and other economic activities.
“The periodic maintenance works will restore the riding quality of the road, improve safety, reduce vehicle operating costs and extend the lifespan of this strategic national asset.
“It is Government’s firm commitment that every road user should enjoy a safer, smoother and more efficient journey along this corridor.
“We want to ensure that this road is rehabilitated to high standards, delivered on time, within budget and with the quality that Malawians deserve,” said Mhango, adding that the rehabilitation works is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Mhango urged contractors to maintain high standards throughout the project and deliver the works within the agreed timeframe and budget.
He also appealed to communities along the road to cooperate with contractors, observe traffic management measures during construction and protect construction materials and infrastructure from vandalism.
The country’s main transport network artery is set to improve road safety, reduce travel time, lower vehicle operating costs and create employment opportunities during construction.
Roads Authority Board chairperson, engineer Witness Kuotcha said the project has been divided into three contracts valued at K17 billion, K47 billion and K51 billion.
Kuotcha assured that the Roads Authority would closely monitor the works to ensure contractors meet quality standards, complete the project on schedule and remain within the approved costs.
“As the Roads Authority, we will ensure that contractors deliver quality work on time and within cost so that Malawians receive durable road infrastructure,” he said.
Chiotha emphasised that the M001 is a gateway to the region and the world as it facilitates the movement of goods to and from neighboring countries and beyond — through ports of Dar es Salaam, Beira, Nacala and Durban — driving regional integration, trade, and economic growth for Malawi.
Dedza District Director of Public Works, Julia Qoto welcomed the project, saying it would improve mobility for communities along the corridor, particularly farmers who rely on the road to transport their produce to markets.
Qoto also urged communities to support the contractors and safeguard construction materials to ensure successful completion of the rehabilitation works.
When President Mutharika complained on the pathetic state of the M1 in May and promised for its rehabilitation, Chifipa Mhango, the Chief Economist and Executive Director of Economic Research & Strategy at Don Consultancy Group (DCG), suggested that it should be turned it into a dual carriageway, emphasising that it was way overdue.
He emphasised that restoring Malawi’s strategic transport corridors “is not merely about repairing roads; it is about rebuilding economic efficiency, strengthening investor confidence, improving public safety, and reconnecting leadership with the people’s daily realities”.—Reporting by Roads Authority Media & Maryam Ibrahim, Malawi News Agency (MANA); editing by Duncan Mlanjira, Maravi Express
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