By Jones Gadama
The Transporters Association of Malawi (TAM) has issued a stark warning to the government, threatening to park their fleets unless immediate action is taken to address the deplorable state of the country’s roads.
In a letter dated April 15, 2025, TAM Director Frank Banda expressed the association’s deep concern over the lack of response from the Ministry of Transport and Public Works regarding their urgent request for road maintenance and security enhancement.
The association highlighted several key sections of the national road network that are in dire need of repair, including the Bwengu to Karonga, Chiweta to Karonga, Dedza to Ntcheu, and Balaka to Zomba stretches.
Banda noted that transporters and drivers operating along these routes are increasingly alarmed by the worsening conditions, characterized by deep potholes and poorly maintained diversion roads.
In addition to the physical road damage, TAM also pointed out escalating security concerns along Chiweta Road, Chikwawa Road, and the Zalewa to Mwanza section, where criminal elements continue to target moving vehicles, placing lives and cargo at risk.
The association emphasized that some of its members are contemplating parking their fleets to avoid further financial and mechanical losses, a move that would disrupt national supply chains, especially those involving food, tobacco, fertilizer, fuel, and cross-border imports and exports.
“We urge the Ministry to engage relevant authorities and prioritize the following actions: immediate pothole patching and road resurfacing on all affected road sections, proper maintenance and upgrading of diversion roads, especially along construction routes, and coordination with the Ministry of Homeland Security and Malawi Police Service to enhance security patrols and monitoring along high-risk corridors,” Banda stated.
The Transporters Association of Malawi reiterated its commitment to supporting government-led efforts aimed at improving Malawi’s transport infrastructure.
However, in the face of inaction, transport sector operations are increasingly at risk of major disruption.
The association requested a formal response from the Ministry, including any timelines or action plans being considered, to guide operational planning by its members.
In a copied correspondence, the association’s letter was addressed to key stakeholders, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Roads Authority, the Inspector General of Police, and the CEOs of the National Roads Fund Administration, Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority, and National Oil Company of Malawi, among others.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the Transporters Association’s ultimatum.
One thing is certain, however: the state of Malawi’s roads and the safety of its transport sector are critical issues that demand urgent attention.
The potential disruption to national supply chains and the economic implications thereof are too significant to ignore.
The Transporters Association’s threat to park their fleets serves as a wake-up call for the government to take decisive action in addressing the country’s infrastructure challenges.
The ball is now in the Ministry’s court, and stakeholders across various sectors will be watching closely to see how this situation plays out.
