Nthalire, Chitipa South, Malawi — President Lazarus Chakwera has visited Nthalire in Chitipa District, using the occasion to elevate Nthalire Health Centre to hospital status and call on residents to support him in the upcoming Malawi elections.
The presidential convoy travelled along a heavily eroded dirt road that has remained largely neglected for decades. A photo posted on Minister of Local Government Richard Chimwendo Banda’s Facebook page shows the road deeply scarred by erosion, with thick dust clouds engulfing the vehicles.
The road’s history stretches back to 1965, when it was first dug using hoes during Katowa Musopole’s tenure as Member of Parliament. In the late 1960s, under MP Jackson Mzinza, Chitipa was still part of the Karonga Hills constituency. In 1972, Rodwell Munyenyembe graded the road, the same year President Kamuzu Banda officially opened it.
Since then, the Nthalire-Chitipa road has remained a recurring theme in Malawi political campaign promises, resurfacing only in speeches and party manifestos during every election cycle. The poor road conditions continue to highlight infrastructure challenges in Malawi, particularly in rural areas like Chitipa South.
President Chakwera’s visit has reignited debate over the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure in Northern Malawi, as residents hope that this time, campaign promises will translate into tangible development.
