Senior Chief Lulanga of Mangochi has called for the timely completion of the 101 kilometer Mangochi–Makanjila Road construction saying the poor state of bridges on the road—especially during the rainy season—has restricted residents’ movement to and from Mangochi, where they buy groceries and other essential goods.
The Government of Malawi has launched construction of nine bridges along the 101-kilometer Mangochi–Makanjila Road, a World Bank-funded phase of a US$100 million upgrading project expected to end the seasonal isolation of lakeshore communities.
“We thank the President for sending the Minister to officially launch the project. The Mangochi–Makanjila Road covers my area and those of my fellow traditional authorities—Chowe, Namavi, Chilawe and Makanjila. My appeal to government is to expedite construction of the bridges before the rains start,” Senior Chief Lulanga said.
Speaking at the launch ceremony on Tuesday, Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango, described the event as more than the start of construction works.
He called it “another demonstration of Government’s unwavering commitment to improving transport infrastructure, facilitating trade, stimulating economic growth and improving the quality of life of the people along this road, and Malawi as a whole.”
The nine bridges are financed by the World Bank through the Regional Climate Resilience Programme (RCRP 2). Mhango thanked the World Bank for its “continued partnership and confidence in the Government of Malawi,” noting that the collaboration continues to deliver transformative infrastructure projects.
The Mangochi–Makanjila Road has long been a source of concern for both government and local communities. According to Mhango, its poor condition has been particularly devastating during rainy seasons, when bridges are washed away, cutting off vehicle access to Makanjila and severely affecting residents’ livelihoods.
“The poor condition of this road has also been a source of concern for the people of Makanjila,” Mhango said. “On a number of occasions, traditional leaders and civil society organisations have engaged my ministry to ask for a quick solution to the problems they are facing on this road.”
The minister said that after assuming office in September 2025, President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika directed the ministry to prioritize the Mangochi–Makanjila Road, demonstrating the President’s commitment to resolving the community’s transport challenges.
The US$100 million upgrading project is structured in three phases. Phase 1 involved construction of Litisa Bridge, financed by the African Development Bank, which has been completed and is now in use. Phase 2, launched on September 8, covers the nine World Bank-funded bridges. Phase 3 will involve construction of the entire 101-kilometer road and associated drainage structures.
Mhango announced that funding for Phase 3 has already been secured from the Saudi Fund, Kuwait Fund, the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). The ministry is finalizing the review of tender documents to begin procurement.
Once fully upgraded, the road is expected to facilitate tourism, trade and transportation of agricultural produce, while supporting the fishing industry, which has been constrained by the road’s poor condition.
The project complements other strategic transport investments planned for Mangochi District, including designs for upgrading the Idurusi–Katuli Road, reconstruction of the Chiponde–Mangochi Road, construction of a One Stop Border Post at Chiponde, and rehabilitation of the Monkey Bay–Mangochi Road. Construction on the Golomoti–Monkey Bay Road began after a launch by the minister on July 2, 2026.
Mhango appealed to citizens, business operators and road users to become “custodians of this important national asset” by protecting road infrastructure from vandalism and theft, avoiding encroachment into road reserves and maintaining proper drainage.
To contractors and consultants, he issued a stern reminder: “Government expects professionalism, quality workmanship and timely completion of the project. We expect works that will meet the required engineering standards and deliver value for money.”
The minister reiterated government’s commitment to building a transport network that supports Malawi’s development for generations, in line with the Malawi 2063 vision.
“Every kilometre of road we construct or rehabilitate connects farmers to markets, children to schools, patients to health facilities, tourists to destinations, industries to suppliers and businesses to opportunities,” he said.
Heavy rains last year damaged most bridges in Mangochi District and affected the Mangochi–Makanjila Road, underscoring the need for the project.
