By Burnett Munthali
The National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) of Malawi has issued a stop order to Inka Construction Company, halting its work on the Mdeka Bridge in Ntcheu due to the company’s non-registration with the council.
The order was revealed during a monitoring visit by the Citizen Engagement Committee of the World Bank-funded Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) program to the Mdeka Bridge and Gomani Chikuse Community Day Secondary School projects in the district.
Speaking on the matter, Stella Nkhonya, a member of the committee, expressed hope that the stop order would serve as a lesson to all councils to prioritize the engagement of contractors with valid registrations and proven capacity. She emphasized the importance of aligning such projects with the Malawi 2063 development blueprint to ensure quality and sustainability.
Ward Councilor for Gomani Chikuse, Jumbe Mambo, called on authorities to expedite the process of hiring a new contractor to resume work on the bridge. “The delay caused by this issue should not compromise the delivery of essential infrastructure to our community,” he said.
The NCIC, established under an Act of Parliament in 1996, is tasked with regulating, promoting, and developing the construction industry in Malawi. The Act strictly prohibits individuals or companies from operating in the construction sector without proper registration under its provisions.
This incident highlights the critical role of regulatory compliance in ensuring the successful implementation of public projects. It underscores the importance of due diligence by local councils and other contracting authorities in procuring qualified and licensed contractors to avoid unnecessary disruptions and delays.
As the NCIC enforces its mandate, the case serves as a reminder of the need to uphold standards in the construction industry to achieve the nation’s developmental goals.
