Minister of Transport and Public Works, Hon. Jappie Mhango, MP, today presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of the 47.23-kilometre Liwonde-Matawale (M003) Road, describing the project as a key milestone in Government's commitment to developing a modern, resilient, and efficient transport system under Malawi 2063.
The Minister said the project forms part of Government's broader strategy to transform the country's transport network through strategic investments that promote trade, regional integration, and economic development.
“Malawi and the World Bank are not merely rehabilitating the Liwonde-Matawale Road. Together, we are strengthening regional trade, improving road safety, creating jobs, stimulating economic growth and, above all, building a stronger, more connected and more prosperous Malawi," said Mhango.
Hon. Mhango further highlighted the project's safety features, including the construction of a modern weighbridge at Machinga and the introduction of the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) Star Rating for Schools initiative, the first of its kind in Malawi to enhance road safety for school children and other vulnerable road users. He also urged contractors to deliver quality work on time while calling on communities to protect the road infrastructure.
Implemented under the Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project, the US$58.2 million road rehabilitation is financed by the World Bank and is expected to improve mobility between Machinga and Zomba, reduce transport costs, enhance access to markets, support tourism, and strengthen Malawi's regional trade competitiveness.
The launch aligns with government's vision of among other things strengthening Malawi's Trade and Transport Network