By Mabvuto Kalawa, Correspondent, Malawi News Network
Over the past years, Nathenje has seen the establishment of several quarries, including Sino Sky, OG Issa, Additional Mining, and Chawezi. Most of these quarries are owned by Chinese and Indian nationals, with very few owned by Malawians.
Initially, the development was welcomed by local communities. The quarries offered employment opportunities, improved household incomes, and raised hopes that Nathenje would eventually grow into an urban area. However, many residents now say those expectations have not been met.
Group Village Headman Dilawo of Traditional Authority Chadza, whose village is near the Sino Sky quarry, said residents are facing serious challenges due to quarrying activities. He noted that blasting has caused cracks in houses, creating safety risks for families.Ekhaya Mandasi by Ekhaya Farms Foods – Fresh, Golden, Authentic Malawian Comfort Snack Delivered to Your Table
“These quarries have brought problems to us. Houses are developing cracks and could collapse at any time. They have done nothing for us in terms of corporate social responsibility. They have never even constructed a single school block in this area,” Dilawo said.
Bruno Daka, who contested as a councillor in the September 2025 general elections under the Malawi Congress Party ticket, said the quarries have failed to support basic community needs.
“They are not doing anything to benefit the communities. They have failed to rehabilitate Nathenje Health Centre. Our communities lack access to portable water, and our school blocks have not been constructed. Many people are also at risk of chronic diseases such as tuberculosis. We are worried,” Daka said.DPP senior officials arrive at Golden Peacock Hotel to address Malawians on national issues
A member of the Kamundi Village Development Committee said residents have repeatedly approached quarry owners for assistance and compensation for damaged houses, but received no response.
Gift Mochi, chairman of the Kamundi Development Committee, also questioned why the companies are not helping the community. He cited the poor condition of local roads, which remain unrehabilitated despite heavy use by quarry trucks.
A worker at one of the quarries, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said working conditions are poor.
“We were promised that we would be given milk every day, but that is not happening. We also work without protective clothing,” the worker said.Lake Malawi Dispute: Youth Alive Mchinji Accuses Government of Negligence
An environmental health officer at Additional Quarry said the company is in the process of implementing its corporate social responsibility programmes in the area. He said workers are provided with protective clothing, including masks, and that plans are underway to rehabilitate the environment after mining.September,: the golden opportunity to reclaim our future
Communities in Nathenje are now asking when they will begin to benefit from the quarries operating in their area. They are calling on authorities to ensure that companies fulfill their corporate social responsibility obligations so that mining contributes to local development.