Ministry of Transport launches 2024-2030 strategic plan
The Ministry of Transport and Public Works has launched a strategic plan to be used from 2024 to 2030, which it believes will have a bearing on the progress that Malawi can make on some of the global sustainable development goals.
Speaking during the launch of the document in Lilongwe, Minister responsible, Jacob Hara, said his ministry has a critical role of steering the country towards achievement of a long term goal of the transport sector as outlined in the Malawi 2063 agenda.
He added that the strategic plan is specific to his ministry as an implementation tool for other strategic documents which also cover other institutions, describing it as a framework which outlines the ministry’s top priorities in the medium term in line with its vision, mission and strategic goals and objectives.
“What the strategic plan is doing is basically drawing timelines and giving us effort lines to make sure that we are able to achieve our goals. This will enable everyone to check us on what we are doing as a ministry,” said Hara.
The Minister also disclosed that a passenger train will soon start operating between the cities of Blantyre and Lilongwe following serious rehabilitation works in the country’s rail networks.
Chairperson for the Transport Committee of Parliament, Enock Phale, said after the launch, his committee will now be providing an oversight role to ensure that all that is in the plan is being implemented.
Said Phale:“We will continue our oversight role. But over and above, we do representation. We are calling this day a day of celebration because it remains a fact the government of Dr Lazarus Chakwera inherited a broken transport system in this country. We used to have a very vibrant transport system.”
The launch of the strategic plan comes at a time when the ministry is busy engaged in so many public works including the improvement of road infrastructure.
