By Chisomo Phiri
Minister of Transport and Public Works, Feston Kaupa, has called for an accelerated rollout of national road infrastructure projects to ensure Malawi continues to achieve strategic road development efficiently and effectively.
Speaking during a project implementation stakeholders’ meeting in Lilongwe on Thursday, Kaupa highlighted that delays, unjustified variations, reworks, and substandard workmanship have significant consequences not only on government finances but also on the daily lives of Malawians who rely on road networks for economic and social activities.
The minister acknowledged that road project implementation has faced considerable challenges, including fuel shortages and foreign currency constraints affecting the procurement of essential materials and equipment, as well as delayed payments stemming from pressures on public finances and competing national priorities.
Despite these hurdles, Kaupa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing bottlenecks to ensure timely and cost-effective project completion.
He emphasized that this will be achieved by fostering a supportive policy and financing environment, removing existing obstacles, and prioritizing resources for strategic projects.
Roads Authority(RA ) Chief Executive Officer (CEO),Ammiel Champiti, described the stakeholders’ meeting as a valuable platform for civil contractors implementing Roads Authority projects across the country.
He noted it allowed participants to engage, share experiences, and identify areas needing improvement to ensure the successful delivery of national infrastructure projects.
