President Lazarus Chakwera is facing renewed criticism for failing to deliver on his 2022 directive to begin construction of the long-promised 260-kilometre M24/M09 Rumphi–Nyika–Nthalire –Chitipa Road a key infrastructure project that has remained stalled despite repeated assurances.
On April 28, 2022, during a development rally at Chitipa Airfield following a crop inspection tour, Chakwera instructed the Ministry of Transport and Public Works to ensure that construction of the road began within four months. His order came in response to public outcry over a five-year delay in starting the project, which had originally been launched by former president Peter Mutharika.
“This road has been used as a campaign tool for many years to attract votes from the people of Rumphi and Chitipa,” Chakwera said at the time. He directed the Transport Minister Jacob Hara to conclude all procurement processes within 21 days, stressing that Malawians were “waiting for development” and warning that those who delayed the project would face consequences.
The President acknowledged the poor state of the road, noting that he had travelled it several times with the First Lady. Minister Hara informed him at the time that no designs or feasibility studies had been prepared, but added that these had since been completed, allowing construction to proceed “speedily.”
Paramount Chief Kyungu, speaking at the same event, urged Chakwera to act without delay, highlighting the deplorable state of roads in the region, including the Mbirima and Nthalire Chitipa stretches.
At the time, the Roads Authority had already issued a notice of intention to award a K7.694 billion contract to Unik Construction Limited for upgrading the first 20 kilometres from Chikwawa to Bembe. This followed the government’s termination of a K5.1 billion contract with Mota-Engil in 2021 over disputes — despite having paid the contractor K1.7 billion for partially constructing just six kilometres of the road. An additional K1.2 billion was later spent on maintenance by Zhenjing Communications Construction Company Ltd and China Railway No. 5.
Despite these developments, three years later the road remains largely untouched. Critics say that in 2025, Chakwera is once again using the project as a campaign talking point, counting on the public to overlook his earlier commitment and missed deadlines.
Residents in Rumphi and Chitipa say they feel betrayed, accusing the government of turning their plight into a recurring political promise without tangible results.
“We are tired of hearing about this road only during campaign time. It’s the same story every election,” said Atusaye Ngosi, a business operator.
The M24/M09 road is considered vital for connecting remote parts of northern Malawi, boosting trade, and improving access to health and education services. For now, however, it remains a symbol of unfulfilled promises and a growing source of political frustration.
