The recent construction of a filling station in Area 25C, Lilongwe, has sparked outrage and concern among residents — and for good reason. Building a fuel station in such a densely populated residential area poses severe risks to public safety, violates environmental laws, and raises serious questions about corruption and regulatory failure.
A Disaster Waiting to Happen
Filling stations handle highly flammable materials such as petrol and diesel. If improperly managed or located too close to homes, schools, or shops, they can easily trigger fires and explosions with devastating consequences.
Area 25C is one of Lilongwe’s most crowded neighborhoods, filled with homes, shops, and public spaces packed closely together. Placing a fuel station in such an environment is reckless, irresponsible, and dangerous — a ticking time bomb that endangers thousands of lives.
Violation of Malawi’s Environmental and Planning Laws
Under Malawi’s Environmental Management Act and City Planning Regulations, every high-risk project — including filling stations — must undergo a proper Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) before construction begins.
Yet, evidence suggests that in this case, key laws and procedures were ignored or manipulated. This raises serious concerns about corruption, negligence, or abuse of power among officials responsible for zoning and construction approvals.
No One Is Above the Law
Reports indicate that the owner of this filling station used influence and connections to fast-track approvals, believing himself to be above the law. This is unacceptable. Malawi is a nation governed by laws — not by the power of individuals or investors.
If regulations were deliberately violated, the filling station must be demolished without compensation. Allowing it to operate would set a dangerous precedent and send a message that profit can override public safety.
Call for Urgent Action from Authorities
The Ministry of Lands, Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), Environmental Affairs Department, and Lilongwe City Council must act immediately. A full investigation is needed to determine how this project was approved and who authorized it.
The incoming MERA Chief Executive Officer must make this issue a top priority. It’s time to restore public confidence in regulatory institutions and enforce the law — firmly and fairly.
Public Safety Before Private Profit
Malawi has witnessed deadly fires from fuel stations in the past. We cannot wait for tragedy to strike again. The government must intervene before lives are lost.
Public safety must always come before private profit. Area 25C residents deserve protection, accountability, and assurance that their neighborhood will not be turned into a danger zone.
