Residents of Likoma Island have intensified calls for the government to urgently resume and complete construction of the long-awaited Likoma Jetty, a critical infrastructure project expected to transform transport and boost economic activity in the district.
The jetty, being constructed by Mota-Engil, has reportedly stalled, raising serious concern among local communities who rely heavily on water transport for mobility, trade, and access to essential services.
A recent visit by Malawi24 to the construction site revealed no ongoing activity, with the project appearing to be abandoned.
Sources at the site disclosed that the contractor halted works due to delayed payments from the government, a development that has significantly slowed progress and left the structure incomplete.
“The construction stopped because the government has not been paying the contractor, but we still believe the government will complete the project,” said one worker familiar with the situation.
The Likoma Jetty project was initiated in 2019 at a cost of K10 billion and is being funded by the Malawi Government.
It forms part of broader efforts to improve marine transport infrastructure on Lake Malawi, particularly for island communities such as Likoma, which depend almost entirely on water transport.
The project is currently reported to be about 90 percent complete.
Once finished, the jetty is expected to ease the docking of vessels, enhance passenger safety, and facilitate the smooth movement of goods and services.
However, the prolonged delay has sparked frustration among residents, who say the incomplete facility continues to disrupt daily life.
Many have expressed concern over unreliable transport connections, which affect access to healthcare, education, and markets on the mainland.
Local business operators have also lamented the situation, noting that the stalled project is limiting economic opportunities.
Traders, in particular, say poor docking infrastructure increases transportation costs and reduces efficiency in the movement of goods.
Current status of Likoma Jetty which is under construction
Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango, has since assured the public that the government remains committed to completing the Likoma Jetty and other stalled development projects across the country.
“The government is committed to ensuring that all stalled projects are completed,without providing a specific timeline for the resumption of works”said Mhango.
Despite the assurance, residents are urging authorities to act swiftly, warning that continued delays risk undermining the project’s intended benefits.
They emphasize that completing the jetty would significantly improve connectivity between Likoma and the mainland, stimulate tourism, and open up new avenues for economic growth.
The Likoma Jetty remains one of the most anticipated infrastructure projects in the district, with its completion seen as a key step toward improving livelihoods and integrating the island more effectively into Malawi’s broader economy.
