Delays in the implementation of key development projects in Ntchisi District are drawing growing concern from residents who say the situation is slowing down economic and social progress in the area.
Among the major projects raising concern are the incomplete Malomo–Ntchisi–Dzaleka tarmac road, the stalled Ntchisi Stadium and inadequate access to clean water in some primary schools.
Together, residents say, these challenges are affecting livelihoods, mobility, education and access to essential services.
Farmers in Ntchisi say poor road infrastructure continues to limit their access to markets, particularly in Lilongwe, forcing them to take longer and more expensive routes through Mponela or Kasungu.
Group Village Head Chimwankhuku of Traditional Authority Kalumo said the district has seen limited road development since independence, with residents relying on only one major tarmac road linking Mponela to Ntchisi Boma.
“The only tarmac road we have seen in Ntchisi is the one constructed from Mponela to Ntchisi Boma during the time of the late Professor Bingu wa Mutharika,” he said.
He added that the delay in upgrading the Malomo–Ntchisi–Dzaleka road has increased transport costs, forcing farmers to sell produce at lower prices due to limited market access.
Residents also say the poor road network is affecting access to health services, with pregnant women and other patients struggling to reach facilities, especially during the rainy season.
Roads Authority has acknowledged delays in the project, saying construction works on the Malomo–Ntchisi–Dzaleka road are expected to resume.
Spokesperson Lawrent Kumchenga said the project stalled due to multiple factors, including adverse weather conditions.
“The project stalled due to several factors, including the rainy season, noting that it is often difficult to carry out road construction during heavy rains,” he said.
He added that preparations are underway to restart the works, although no specific timeline was provided.
Concerns are also growing over the Ntchisi Stadium project, which began in 2017 but remains incomplete.
Residents say the delay has hampered the development of sports in the district and denied the community potential economic opportunities.
One resident, Gerrard Tsanvu, said the lack of a functional stadium has contributed to missed opportunities for hosting major football matches.
He cited instances where Nyasa Big Bullets reportedly declined to play in the district due to inadequate facilities.
“When big teams come, the council collects revenue for development and local businesses also benefit, but now we are missing such opportunities,” he added.
Ntchisi District Council spokesperson James Mwale said plans to complete the stadium remain in place but depend on agreements among stakeholders during council meetings.
In education, some schools, including Chatambalala Primary School and M’boma Primary School, continue to face challenges in accessing clean water.
The district council says implementation of such projects depends on priorities set at Village Development Committee (VDC) level, where communities identify their development needs.
The Malawi Human Rights Resource Center (MHRRC) says it is encouraged by growing community participation in demanding accountability from duty bearers on development issues.
Capacity Building Associate Noel Msiska said community engagement is key to ensuring that stalled projects are addressed.
He expressed hope that authorities will respond to the concerns raised and accelerate implementation of key development initiatives in the district.
By Beston Simwaka
