Communities in Mzimba could soon enjoy smoother and more accessible roads after the district acquired a new K670 million grader, ending years of relying on aging equipment.
The M’mbelwa District Council on Monday unveiled the new road grader worth K670 million, a major investment aimed at tackling the district’s long-standing road maintenance challenges and improving access to communities across Mzimba.
The grader was officially handed over at the council offices after being procured through a loan from the Development Fund for Local Authorities (DFLA). Meanwhile, the council’s old grader remains abandoned at Ngomiyawo after developing mechanical faults, a setback that had slowed road maintenance in the district.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, M’mbelwa District Commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu said the council decided to acquire the machine after recognising that many roads in the district had gone nearly five years without being graded due to the lack of functional equipment.
He said the new grader will improve the condition of both rural and urban roads, making it easier for people to access schools, health facilities, markets, and other essential public services.
“The district has experienced serious challenges in maintaining its road network because we have not had a reliable grader. This machine will enable us to carry out regular road maintenance and improve connectivity across the district,” said Bulukutu.
However, the procurement has also raised concerns among some residents, who questioned the decision to purchase a new grader while another council-owned grader remains abandoned at Ngomiyawo after developing mechanical faults.
The residents fear that unless proper maintenance systems are put in place, the newly acquired machine could suffer the same fate, resulting in another costly investment becoming idle.
Responding to the concerns, Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V welcomed the acquisition but urged the council to ensure that the grader is properly managed and maintained.
He warned against negligence, misuse, and poor servicing, saying the machine should serve the people of Mzimba for many years.
“We are grateful for this important investment, but it must be protected. The council should ensure proper maintenance, responsible operation, and accountability so that this grader continues serving our communities,” said M’mbelwa V.
Development Fund for Local Authorities Chief Executive Officer Cydex Makunje said the institution was established to provide affordable financing to local councils for development projects aimed at improving service delivery.
Makunje disclosed that DFLA has so far disbursed K4.8 billion in loans to councils across Malawi to support infrastructure development and strengthen local government operations.
He expressed confidence that the new grader would significantly improve road maintenance in Mzimba and contribute to the district’s socio-economic development.
Road infrastructure remains one of the major development challenges in Mzimba, one of Malawi’s largest districts by land area. Poor road conditions have frequently affected transportation, access to healthcare, agricultural marketing, and learners’ ability to travel to school, particularly during the rainy season.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Perekezi Constituency, Fikani Ulunji Nyirenda, has welcomed the acquisition, describing it as a timely investment that will improve the district’s road network.
“This grader will significantly enhance routine road maintenance across Mzimba District. Better roads will improve access to markets, schools, health facilities, and other essential services. I, however, urge the council to prioritise proper maintenance and responsible management so that this machine serves the people for many years,” said Nyirenda.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new grader, many residents believe its long-term success will depend on whether the council prioritises preventive maintenance, carries out timely repairs, and avoids repeating the mistakes that led to the abandonment of its previous grader at Ngomiyawo.
