By Mirriam Kaliza
Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango, has assured Malawians that rehabilitation works on the M1 Road are on track despite setbacks caused by flooding, compensation delays, and infrastructure encroachments.
Mhango made the remarks during an inspection tour of the M1 Road, stretching from the Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) junction to Kacheche in Rumphi, where he assessed the status of ongoing works, including the Mpasadzi Bridge, which was recently washed away by heavy rains.
He said government, working closely with the Roads Authority and contractors, acted swiftly to restore traffic flow through a temporary crossing, adding that construction of a more durable semi-permanent diversion is currently underway.
The minister dismissed concerns circulating on social media, stating that government remains focused on practical, on-the-ground solutions, while engagements continue to resolve compensation issues that have affected the pace of the project.
Roads Authority Chief Executive Officer, Ammiel Champiti, said the M1 rehabilitation project is divided into four lots, with Lots One and Three over 70 percent complete, while Lots Two and Four stand at about 40 percent completion, largely due to flooding and compensation challenges.
Champiti added that the Phoma–Nkhamenya alternative route remains passable and is being upgraded to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow in the event of further flooding.
The widening and rehabilitation works cover a 301-kilometre stretch, of which at least 107 kilometres have been completed and opened to traffic.
The M1 Road is Malawi’s key regional corridor, linking the country to neighbouring countries and remains critical to trade, mobility, and economic growth.
