Some members of the Transporters Association of Malawi have threatened to ground their fleet in protest over attacks and deteriorating state of roads to avert further financial and mechanical losses.
The areas of concern include M1 sections at Bwengu in Mzimba, Chiweta in Rumphi to Karonga and Dedza to Ntcheu. They have also cited the Balaka to Zomba section on the M3.
In a letter to the Ministry of Transport and Public Works dated April 15 2025, Transporters Association director Frank Banda said transporters and drivers operating along the affected routes are increasingly alarmed by the worsening conditions.
He said it was worrisome that after their first letter dated March 18 2025 on the need for road maintenance and rehabilitation across several key sections, they have not received any formal acknowledgement or response.
Said Banda: “In addition to physical road damage, characterised by deep potholes and poorly maintained diversion roads, there are also escalating security concerns along Chiweta Road, Chikwawa Road and the Zalewa to Mwanza section, where criminal elements continue to target moving vehicles, placing lives and cargo at risk.”
He feared that suspension of services would disrupt the national supply chain of food, tobacco, fertiliser, fuel and cross-border imports and exports.
Roads Authority (RA) chief executive officer Engineer Ammiel Champiti admitted the challenges, but said works are being done to improve the situation, especially on the Bwengu-Chiweta-Karonga section.
Since the Kacheche-Bwengu Chiweta section is under rehabilitation as part of the M1 works, vehicles are using diversion, but he said they want now to start surfacing on sections that have been finished.
“For Chiweta-Karonga section, we have deployed two sections-SOS Construction company from Chiweta to Uliwa, but there has been a challenge because for the past two weeks there has been so much rain in the North,” said Champita.
He also said government has already given a contract for rehabilitation of Nsipe-Liwonde-Matawale Road while from Liwonde to Zomba, a contract will be awarded soon.
But Malawi Building, Civil Engineering and Allied Trade Association vice-chairperson Kondwani Kadango said some of these roads have outlived their lifespan and require rehabilitation.
He said: “Take for instance, when I am going to Blantyre, you find that a pothole has been fixed, but when returning, the same has resurfaced. There is need for proper planning, otherwise the government will just be losing money.
“To fill a pothole for one square metre with asphalt, it costs between K35 000 and K45 000, but if you combine with prima, preparing the surface and putting the gravel, it is K60 000 to K70 000. If it is big, it can get up to K200 000.”
Meanwhile, National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya has said the said areas are crime hotspots and they normally conduct patrols and intelligence led operations.
“The transporters should also have to take caution. Some simply leave their goods without security, they don’t cover their trucks and have to be careful on time for travel. We do arrest people, but after some time, other gangs resurface,” he said.
A fortnight ago, Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works Steve Baba-Malondera said the Treasury has released K5 billion to Roads Fund Administration towards rehabilitation of the country’s roads, including the Chiweta-Karonga section.
