Transport Minister says transport ‘master plan ‘in motion for Malawi
The government of Malawi, almost done with the roads it is currently constructing or repairing, will embark on construction of more new roads, perhaps, the beginning of the fulfillment of the ambitious National Transport Master Plan (NTMP) to be implemented from 2017–2037.
According to Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango, the new roads are Lilangwe-Namatunu-Machinga, Ntcheu-Tsangano-Neno-Mwanza, Dowa-Chezi and Mkanda in Mchinji.
“I will be launching the construction of these road projects in two weeks’ time. Actually, it will be the beginning of the second phase for Dowa-Chezi road,” Mhango told Nyasa Times in an exclusive interview.
The NTMP, launched by President Peter Mutharika in March this year, aims at guiding Malawi in the development of the transport sector in roads, ships and airports.
The masterplan which was developed with funding from the World Bank, details how Malawi will develop all areas of road network, civil aviation, railway, water transport and the infrastructures needed.
“With this master plan, we will see more dual carriage highways, more flyovers, continuation of construction of by-pass roads and construction of modern state-of- the- art roads,” those were part of Mutharika’s remarks at the launch.
And Mhango, in apparent total agreement with his boss, hailed the NTMP, noting that the construction of roads like Lilangwe-Namatunu-Machinga and several others, will slowly and eventually lead to the full realisation of the master plan.
The minister also talked about Mzuzu-Nkhata Bay and Njakwa-Livingstonia roads, saying these are perfect example of “successful” road projects that will improve transportation, trade and development among people of Northern Malawi.
“There is progress. Ninety eight percent of the work has been done on the Mzuzu-Nkhata Bay road. What is remaining is a one kilometer stretch from Mzuzu High Court to Shoprite roundabout which needs to be dualized”.
Added Mhango: “Significant amount of earth work has been done on the Njakwa-Livingstonia road. Ten kilometers of the road has so far been covered with bitumen. The mountainous terrain of the area is what is delaying the work”.
Another important road in the Northern Region, the Ekwendeni-Ezondweni-Kafukule road in Mzimba, started in 2007 but it is far from being completed.
According to Mhango, work on the project had been abandoned due to absence of funds.
“However, let me assure Malawians that we are a serious and committed government. We will secure enough funds to complete the Ekwendeni-Ezondweni-Kafukule road and several other road projects we are implementing across the country,” concluded Mhango.
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Malawi wont be able to generate MK1,261 trillion due to slaggish economy, low exports, dwindling tax collection and highly reduced donor support (EU, UK and US have publicly announced that they wont extend any direct budget support contrary to what Honourable Gondwe has said). If we have to consider that we are in a campaign ahead of the tripartite elections, there likely to be major and pervasive looting to fund various campaigns and to fill politicians pockets before they get booted out. There wont be anything left for development or social projects
More flyovers ?? I don’t know of any flyover in Malawi. Is that what development is, flyovers??? Talking master no mention of airports, docks just one kilometre here 20 kms there and the nation gives you the vote. It’s either you are very lucky or the nation is very stupid or both !
Point of order check your records not Muluzi but Bingu we were there as well.
This is good for the country, we need to say well done where things has been or been for the country. Let’s put aside issues of national development with politics.
Koma Malawi ndiye yathadi. Mpakana zafika poimbira mfiti m’manja. If anyone can call what we have as development then lord have mercy. If anyone can even refer to Transport Master Plan being in motion then we are all doomed to fail. Malawi as we sit has no vision and plan. Africa Union (AU) has just approved the Agenda 2063 (its 45 years from now)……..by that time most of our political leaders will be dead (they don’t care). The plans that Malawi has put together are already outdated and not worthy the paper written on.
Anrhuwatu akungobwebweta for their lunch. Where will Malawi get the money from. The country is highly indebted and it can’t even generate more that MK1,2 trillion for its recurring budget. Exports are dwindling at a rapid rate and so is the tax collection. The country just isn’t generating enough money to fund the coffers.
Let’s wake up Malawians there is nothing Jappie is saying here. With this thinking other countries will keep on laughing at us. I have always said that starting many projects means spreading our resources thinly. Muluzi started the Zomba – Jali – Phalombe road about 20 yrs ago but the road is unfinished. Bingu(May his soul rest in peace) talked of Thekerani , Neno, Jenda – Edingeni, Kafukule – Ezondweni roads, Mombera University and many other projects. Where are they now? Joyce Banda also came with several promises, where are they now? Now APM is also coming up with many… Read more »
What about Mzimba Road to Euthin.
This is good for the country,But what about Mzimba road to Euthin?