By Suleman Chitera

Construction industry expert Vitumbiko Mumba has blamed the country’s poor road conditions on a culture of cover-ups among engineers, saying lack of accountability continues to cripple infrastructure development in Malawi.

Speaking during a COMESA training workshop on the importance of regulatory compliance and integrity in the construction sector, Mumba lamented that many engineers protect each other when their colleagues fail to deliver quality work.

“In Malawi, instead of progressing, we are moving backward. We praise and worship mediocrity, especially in the construction industry. We need to take serious action to transform this sector,” Mumba said.

He observed that countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Namibia boast high-standard roads because of strict construction laws and professional integrity among industry players.

Mumba stressed that enforcing clear regulations and promoting honesty in the industry would help curb corruption and improve the quality of infrastructure projects in the country.

The COMESA workshop, attended by stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, aimed at promoting ethical practices and strengthening compliance with construction standards across the region.