Malawi has taken a significant step toward improving infrastructure quality and accountability with the official launch of the Construction Industry Regulatory Authority (CIRA).
Speaking during the launch at Capital Hotel, Minister of Transport and Public Works, Hon. Dr. Feston Kaupa, M.P., described the establishment of CIRA as “the beginning of a new chapter” in the country’s development path.
Dr. Kaupa noted that the construction sector remains central to national progress, shaping the roads, hospitals, schools and bridges that support Malawi’s economic and social transformation. He emphasised that delivering on the aspirations of Malawi 2063 requires infrastructure that is resilient, cost-effective, and built to last.
The Minister acknowledged the foundational contribution of the National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) over the past three decades. However, he stated that the 1996 legislative framework could no longer respond to the needs of a fast-growing and increasingly complex sector. This necessitated comprehensive reforms, culminating in the enactment of the Construction Industry Act No. 28 of 2025, which establishes CIRA as a stronger and more responsive regulator.
Among the major policy directives announced, Dr. Kaupa outlined the introduction of mandatory technical audits for all prescribed construction projects, covering pre-construction, implementation, and completion phases. He stressed that government will not approve or pay for any project that fails to meet required technical standards.
Reaffirming government’s commitment to high-quality infrastructure, Dr. Kaupa called for discipline, professionalism, and collaboration across the entire construction ecosystem. “Compliance is not optional. Professionalism is not negotiable. Excellence must be our collective standard,” he said, before officially launching CIRA and urging all stakeholders to help build a resilient and prosperous future for Malawi.
CIRA Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Gerald Khonje, reinforced the Authority’s commitment to transforming the construction sector through strict enforcement, transparency, and capacity building. He said CIRA will operate as an independent, professional regulator with a strong focus on safeguarding public interest and elevating industry standards.
Eng. Khonje assured stakeholders that the Authority will work closely with contractors, consultants, suppliers, and clients to promote compliance, enhance skills, and ensure that all construction projects in Malawi meet the highest levels of quality and safety. He encouraged the industry to embrace the new regulatory framework as a pathway to excellence and sustainable national development.
As part of its mandate, CIRA will begin publishing quarterly construction cost indices to promote transparent budgeting, fair bidding, and value for money across the sector. The new regulator will also enforce stricter penalties for malpractice, including suspension, deregistration, and fines proportional to project value.
Additionally, contractors will benefit from the introduction of retention funds held in trust in interest-bearing accounts, ensuring fairness and boosting the sustainability of local firms.
CIRA is also tasked with enhancing industry capacity through training, research, and strategic partnerships, as well as reviewing and developing construction standards and issuing best-practice guidelines.