Minister of Transport and Public Works Hon Jacob Hara has commended the Roads Authority for launching an ambitious MWK7.98 trillion (2025-2030)
Strategic and Business Plan, which will tremendously transform the public road infrastructure if implemented in full.
Speaking recently when he presided over the launch at the Bingu International Convention Centre (B.I.C.C) in Lilongwe Hara applauded the Roads Authority for the effort it is putting to fulfill its mandate.
“I would have loved if you had gone beyond what you have estimated, but I am very sure that your ambition has been driven by the current resource allocation and availability. However I encourage you to be proactive in resource mobilization,” said Hon. Hara
The Minister said he believes the Roads Authority has largely served the nation well with the given resources.
“Of course, the whole road network may not be in the condition and standard we all expect or desire, however, we can appreciate the strides the Authority is making towards ensuring that the roads are passable throughout the year,” said Hara
The Minister said that with the strategic plan launched and continued government support he is confident that by 2030, there will be less or no potholes on the M001 among other main roads.
“I am sure that we will have all the bypasses for our cities completed, and, congestion in the urban areas would be spoken of in the past tense. All road users should be assured of a [vision] at par with our neighbors,” said the Minister.
The Minister pointed out that vandalism is one of the setbacks for the government’s efforts to provide good road infrastructure and called for all stakeholders to jointly fight against the malpractice.
“Let me take this opportunity to urge my fellow road users to be vigilant in safeguarding the road infrastructure. Our urgency to pointing out shortfalls of the Authorities should likewise be reflected in working together to stop vandalism, illegal settlements and activities within the road reserves,” said Hara.
He said let us take care of the streetlights, road signs, culverts and all road furniture. Let us abide by the law and not erect any structures within the road reserves.
In her speech, the Board Chairperson for the Roads Authority Rev. Dr Maltida Matabwa described the new Strategic and Business plan as the beginning of a New Era for the Authority.
Dr Matabwa sited some of the newly completed and on-going projects as testimony of the new era and energy that the Authority is bringing.
According Dr Matabwa the RA faces challenges such as: rising costs, funding constraints, forex shortages, procurement delays, climate-related impacts, inflation, fuel shortages, global disruptions, which are like to affect the plan but will not stop it.
She said the plan and the investment in the road infrastructure would not be meaningful if the public continue to vandalize all treat infrastructure as disposable materials.
“Let’s together protect our roads, stop vandalism! Don’t dump waste in drainage systems! Do not build in road reserves. STOP encroachment,” said Matabwa