Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, has raised serious concerns over the short lifespan of tarmac roads in Malawi, noting that while well-constructed roads should last at least 25 years, many in the country deteriorate within just ten years.
Speaking during a public lecture on the “Code of Ethics in Malawi’s Construction Industry” held at Comesa Hall, Mumba emphasised that this premature degradation points to serious challenges in construction quality and supervision.
He explained that substandard materials, poor workmanship, and weak regulatory oversight contribute to roads failing well before their expected service life.
“This is a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved in infrastructure development to uphold high construction standards and ensure accountability at every stage of the project,” Mumba said.
The Minister linked the problem to widespread unethical practices in the sector, including corruption and awarding contracts based on favouritism rather than technical competence.
Mumba warned that unless urgent reforms are implemented, Malawi will continue to suffer from costly road repairs, interrupted transport services, and slowed economic growth.
He appealed to engineers, contractors, government officials, and regulators to collectively commit to quality, transparency, and professionalism in road construction projects.
Participants at the lecture, which included students, politicians, and industry professionals, engaged in discussions about how to improve durability and efficiency in Malawi’s construction sector.
The issue of road longevity is particularly critical as the country pursues its Malawi 2063 Vision, which hinges on reliable infrastructure to drive industrialisation and trade.
Mumba’s comments echo long-standing concerns expressed by civil society and transport experts who have called for strengthened monitoring and evaluation systems in public works.
This public lecture marked the second instalment of a series aimed at fostering ethical behaviour and technical excellence in Malawi’s construction industry.
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