The Transporters Association of Malawi (TAM) has issued an urgent appeal to the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, highlighting the dire state of several key road sections across the country and escalating security concerns.
Despite a letter sent on March 18, 2025, TAM has yet to receive a formal response or acknowledgement, prompting the association to reiterate the gravity of the situation.
In a statement, Frank Banda, TAM Director said road conditions on several critical stretches have deteriorated significantly, including the Bwengu to Karonga route, Chiweta to Karonga, Dedza to Ntcheu, and Balaka to Zomba roads, which are in a deplorable state with deep potholes and poorly maintained diversion roads posing a major challenge to transporters and drivers.
“We wish to inform you that transporters and drivers operating along the affected routes are increasingly alarmed by the worsening conditions,” stated Banda.
Additionally, security concerns have escalated along Chiweta Road, Chikwawa Road (Thabwa to Madziabango), and the Zalewa to Mwanza section, where criminal elements are targeting moving vehicles, putting lives and cargo at risk.
Banda disclosed that the situation has become so dire that some members of TAM are contemplating parking their fleets to avoid further financial and mechanical losses. “Such a move would disrupt national supply chains, especially those involving food, tobacco, fertilizer, fuel, and cross-border imports and exports,” he added.
TAM is urging the Ministry to prioritize immediate pothole patching and road resurfacing on all affected road sections, proper maintenance and upgrading of diversion roads, and coordination with the Ministry of Homeland Security and Malawi Police Service to enhance security patrols and monitoring along high-risk corridors.
The association has requested a formal response from the Ministry, including timelines and action plans, to guide operational planning by its members. TAM says it remains committed to supporting government-led efforts to improve Malawi’s transport infrastructure but emphasizes the need for urgent action to prevent major disruptions in the transport sector.
