Roads Fund Administration (RFA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Malawi (UNIMA) to collaborate in finding solutions to challenges facing the road sector.
RFA Chief Executive Officer, Stewart Malata, said it is now apparent that challenges facing the road sector do not only require financial resources, but also require research and technological innovations, hence partnering with UNIMA.
UNIMA Vice Chancellor Professor Samson Sajidu assured RFA that researchers and students at UNIMA are eager to help RFA find solutions to various strategic operational challenges presented by RFA.
‘Students can come up with technological innovations such as applications that enable motorists to pay toll tariffs using mobile money.’ Professor Sajidu said.
The Road infrastructure is central to trade mobility, economic activities, and collaborations on how to further improve the road sector.
On new developments, the RFA Chief Executive Officer Stewart Malata disclosed that preparations are at an advanced stage to construct four additional toll gates.
Malata said designs and funding for the project are ready and work will commence soon.
On why sections of the M1 remain in a bad state despite collecting toll tariffs, Malata observed that low tariffs affected maintenance projects.
He assured the public that the RFA will use both toll tariffs and fuel levies to finance road maintenance projects.
‘Roads Authority has set aside K100 billion for three contractors to undertake thorough maintenance of the road.’ Malata said.
By Isaac Jali
