Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter
19 October 2026
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has challenged the Roads Authority (RA) to explain its decision to recommend China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for road infrastructure contracts worth MWK587 billion.
The proposed contracts include the MWK326 billion Wovwe Bridge project and the MWK261 billion Wovwe–Chiweta road section.
HRDC Vice Chairperson Madalitso Banda says the concerns stem from the unfinished Kaunda Road project, reportedly awarded to CCECC in 2022 at approximately MWK8.5 billion.
“This road remains unfinished, causing dust, inconvenience to road users and increased vehicle maintenance costs,” Banda said in a statement co-signed by HRDC National Coordinator Kelvin Chirwa.
HRDC wants the Roads Authority to clarify the basis for recommending CCECC for additional major contracts despite the concerns surrounding the Kaunda Road project.
The organisation’s concerns have renewed questions about contractor performance, public procurement and accountability in the management of Malawi’s infrastructure projects.
