By Suleman Chitera
As reactions continue to pour in following the President’s address at the opening of Parliament, the Makanjira Development Foundation (MDF) has intensified calls for transparency and accountability over the long-awaited construction of the Makanjira Road.
The Foundation says Malawians—particularly residents of Makanjira—deserve a comprehensive update from former President Peter Mutharika regarding the status of the road project, which has for years been cited as a priority development initiative.
Speaking in an interview, MDF Executive Director Osman Kennedy stressed that leadership must go beyond rhetoric and provide concrete details on implementation timelines, financing, and progress made so far.
“We are not asking for promises. We are asking for a clear roadmap—when will the road construction begin, when will it be completed, and what exactly has been done up to this point?” Kennedy said.
Questions Over Funding
Central to the Foundation’s concerns is the issue of financing. Kennedy noted that the road project was reportedly backed by financial support from international partners, including Kuwait, the World Bank, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
However, according to MDF, there remains a troubling lack of public accountability regarding:
- The total amount of money disbursed by these development partners
- How much of it has been utilized
- What specific phases of the project the funds have covered
- Whether any contractual or procurement processes have been finalized
“Malawians must know how much was received and how those resources were applied. Transparency is not optional when public infrastructure is concerned,” Kennedy emphasized.
Development at a Standstill
For residents of Makanjira, the road is not merely a political talking point—it is a lifeline. The current state of the road, described as dilapidated and largely impassable during certain seasons, continues to hinder economic activity, access to health services, education, and trade.
Kennedy underscored that the poor condition of the road has direct socio-economic consequences:
- Farmers struggle to transport produce to markets
- Transportation costs remain high
- Emergency services are delayed
- Investment opportunities are discouraged
“The road in its current state is disrupting lives and stifling development in Makanjira. Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth. Without it, communities remain trapped in poverty,” he said.
Call for Political Will
The Foundation has expressed hope that the current administration will prioritize the completion of the project within a defined and realistic timeframe. MDF maintains that infrastructure commitments must translate into measurable outcomes rather than repeated announcements.
As the national discourse continues around governance, development priorities, and fiscal responsibility, the Makanjira Road project stands as a test case for accountability and delivery.
For the people of Makanjira, the question is no longer whether the road is important—it is whether those entrusted with leadership will finally turn commitments into concrete action.
