By Suleman Chitera
Civil society watchdogs have fired a warning shot at the Road Fund Administration (RFA), demanding full and regular disclosure of how billions of kwacha collected from toll gates are being used.
Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI) executive director Sylvester Namiwa made the demand after inspecting projects financed through toll revenues, saying Malawians deserve clear, routine explanations of how their money is collected and spent.
Namiwa wants the RFA to publish figures every three months, detailing toll collections and corresponding expenditures. He argues that transparency is not optional when public funds are involved—especially at a time when citizens are struggling with a high cost of living and deteriorating road infrastructure.
According to the RFA, about K16.5 billion has so far been collected from toll gates, with the funds used to rehabilitate selected road sections across the country. But CDEDI says broad figures are not enough.
“Malawians want to see where every kwacha is going,” Namiwa said, warning that secrecy breeds suspicion and undermines public trust.
In response, Road Fund Administration Chief Executive Officer Stewart Malata welcomed the call, saying the institution is ready to open its books to the public.
Malata said the RFA is committed to accountability and has nothing to hide regarding the use of toll revenues.
The demand raises fresh pressure on road agencies to match words with action, as Malawians increasingly question whether toll fees are translating into safer, better roads—or disappearing into opaque systems.
