By Suleman Chitera
President Peter Mutharika has ordered an immediate nationwide inspection of bridges on major roads, responding to mounting transport chaos and economic losses triggered by relentless rains.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Justin Saidi, said the directive targets the Ministry of Transport and the Roads Authority Malawi, with a clear mandate: assess structural integrity, identify weak points, and secure the country’s road network before further failures occur.
“The objective is to ensure that bridges and road infrastructure remain safe and passable for road users,” Saidi said, reaffirming government’s commitment to swiftly rehabilitate damaged sections to avert wider economic disruption.
The intervention follows severe rainfall that ripped through parts of the central region, washing away sections of the M1 and M5 roads and rendering them impassable by Wednesday. The shutdown stranded vehicles, halted trade flows, and exposed the fragility of critical transport arteries.
Transporters and traders say the damage has already bitten hard. Delayed deliveries, rising operating costs, and the spoilage of perishable goods have translated into immediate losses, with some operators warning that prolonged disruptions could cripple supply chains.
“This is not just an inconvenience; it’s a direct hit on livelihoods and commerce,” said one transporter affected by the road closures.
With the rainy season far from over, pressure is now on authorities to move beyond inspections and deliver rapid, visible repairs. For businesses dependent on reliable road access, the cost of inaction is measured not in forecasts—but in losses already incurred.
