Airport renovations delayed as Malawi Government owes ADL K10 billion

Renovation works and operations at Malawi’s airports are facing setbacks due to a K10 billion debt owed by the government to Airport Developments Limited (ADL), the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Zione Dorothy Themba, has disclosed.

Themba revealed the development during a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Corporations, and State Enterprises in Lilongwe.

According to Themba, the largest portion of the debt, amounting to K7.2 billion, consists of retention fees that are meant to be shared between ADL and the government but remain unpaid.

She further disclosed that several government institutions, including the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) and the Immigration Department, owe rental payments for some of ADL’s 848 houses located in Lumbadzi Estate in Lilongwe.

In response, the parliamentary committee pledged to engage relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, citing a growing concern over government institutions failing to clear arrears owed to state-owned enterprises.

Meanwhile, Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango, recently assured the public that government remains committed to renovating Kamuzu International Airport and Chileka International Airport (formerly Bakili Muluzi International Airport) to meet international standards.

Speaking during a recent tour of the Blantyre airport, Mhango said more than K50 billion is required to complete the planned renovations.