M’mbelwa District Council is facing mounting criticism for allegedly abandoning a faulty grader for nearly three years while reportedly planning to procure a new one raising concerns over wasteful spending and poor management of public resources in Mzimba District.
An investigation by Malawi24 has established that the council-owned road maintenance machine developed a mechanical fault nearly three years ago and has since remained grounded at GVH Ngomiyawo Moyo without being repaired.
The situation has sparked serious questions about the council’s stewardship of public assets, particularly at a time when many roads across the district are in poor condition and in urgent need of maintenance.
Residents say the abandoned grader has become a symbol of neglect, as communities continue to struggle with deteriorating road infrastructure especially during the rainy season, when some routes become impassable.
Further findings reveal that, despite the grader lying idle for years, the council is reportedly considering procuring another grader to support road rehabilitation and maintenance works across the district.
This development has alarmed governance and development stakeholders, who argue that repairing the existing machine would be more cost-effective and could save taxpayers millions of kwacha.
Development commentator Tackson Amadu described the situation as unfortunate, stressing the need for accountability and prudent management of government resources.
“It is unacceptable for a public institution to neglect such a critical piece of equipment for years while communities continue to suffer from poor road conditions. Public resources must be safeguarded and maintained responsibly,” said Amadu.
He further called on relevant oversight bodies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abandoned grader and establish why repairs were not undertaken.
Some residents have also questioned the rationale behind acquiring new equipment while existing machinery remains unused.
“This grader could have been instrumental in maintaining roads that become impassable during the rainy season. Instead, it has been left to deteriorate,” said one resident.
Poor road networks continue to hinder transportation, disrupt business activities, and limit access to essential services in several parts of Mzimba District, particularly in rural communities.
M’mbelwa District Council officials had not responded to our questionnaire despite confirming receipt.
