By Investigative Desk
Mzuzu, Malawi — Fresh allegations of corruption have emerged within Malawi’s public sector, this time surrounding the K1.4 billion Mzuzu Airport renovation project, which was intended to modernize the airport’s facilities and extend the runway from 1.3 kilometers to 1.5 kilometers.
According to multiple sources within the Ministry of Transport, approximately K500 million of the allocated funds have mysteriously vanished, raising serious concerns about mismanagement and corruption under the former Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration.
Funds Missing, Project Stalled
The Mzuzu Airport renovation was touted as a vital infrastructure development that would improve northern Malawi’s connectivity and boost tourism and trade. However, insiders reveal that massive irregularities in the project’s financial handling have crippled progress.
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The project, budgeted at K1.4 billion, was meant to cover runway expansion, safety improvements, and terminal upgrades. But whistleblowers allege that more than a third of the funds — around K500 million — were misappropriated through dubious transactions and inflated contracts benefiting former MCP cabinet ministers and party loyalists.
Corruption Shadows the MCP Administration
These revelations add to a growing list of corruption scandals linked to the outgoing MCP government, led by former President Lazarus Chakwera. In recent months, several ministries have come under fire for alleged embezzlement, ghost projects, and the misuse of public funds.
Analysts say the Mzuzu Airport scandal exposes deep-rooted corruption networks within government ministries, where procurement processes and public funds are routinely manipulated for political and personal gain.
Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability
Malawians across the country are expressing outrage and demanding transparency. Civil society organizations and anti-corruption watchdogs have called for an immediate investigation into how the renovation funds were spent and who benefited.
“The people of Malawi deserve to know what happened to their money,” said a civil society leader in Mzuzu. “Projects like these are crucial for regional development, yet they continue to be sabotaged by corruption and greed.”
Government Response Awaited
As of now, the Ministry of Transport has not issued an official statement regarding the missing funds. Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is reportedly monitoring the situation, though no formal investigation has been confirmed.
Observers believe that holding those responsible to account is critical to restoring public trust and ensuring that future development projects — including airport expansions, road construction, and energy infrastructure — deliver real benefits to the people of Malawi.
