By Vincent Gunde
The Concerned Citizens of Malawi-People Power Movement (CCM-PPM) has given Transport Minister Jacob Hara and the MCP government 7 days to provide a full, transparent explanation of the current status of the Mangochi- Makanjira Road project.
The CCM-PPM has warned Hara and the MCP led government that failure to do so, will result in mass protests saying the contradictions and misinformation surrounding the Mangochi-Makanjira Road is raising serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the government’s true intentions.
The Citizens group has called on all Malawians especially those in the affected regions to demand accountability saying the time for lies and broken promises is over, assuring government that they will stand and fight for the truth and the future of the country.
In a statement dated 4th April, 2025 signed by Comrades Edwards Kambanje and Oliver Nakoma, the Concerned Citizens say in November, 2023 President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera announced 20 million US Dollars agreement with the Saudi Fund for development to construct the 100 Kilometer Mangochi-Makanjira Road.
The citizens say the road construction project was meant to transform trade, improve food security and enhance access to essential services in the Eastern Malawi Region saying rural communities like Malindi, Lungwera, Namalaka and Fort Maguire were promised better connectivity to national markets and public facilities.
The Concerned Citizens has claimed that the Mangochi-Makanjira Road was not just about infrastructure, saying it was a lifeline of development, a means to uplift communities from poverty, and an opportunity to modernize rural economies.
“Today, in April, 2025 we stand in disbelief as we witness delays, inconsistencies and outright lies surrounding this Mangochi- Makanjira Road,” reads the statement in part.
The Concerned Citizen Group has claimed that Minister of Transport Jacob Hara recently claimed that 8 bridges along the Mangochi-Makanjira Road had been completed observing that there is no construction –only deception.
The Citizens Group has demanded the right to know why government officials continue to mislead Malawians saying worse still, Parliament passed Bill Number 15 approving K35 billion in loans from the OPEC fund for International Development for the same project.
The Concerned Citizens of Malawi say the Mangochi-Makanjira Road was supposed to be funded in 2023, this exposes a shocking level of mismanagement, raising urgent questions “Why is Malawi being forced into more debit for an already financed project and who is benefiting from this cycle of deceit.
The Citizens Group has finally advised government that they refuse to remain silent while the country’s development is sabotaged by incompetence and corruption saying the Mangochi –Makanjira Road is a symbol of broken promises and government deception.
