Suleman Chitera 
By Burnett Munthali
The residents of Manja in Blantyre are celebrating as the long-anticipated construction of the 1.3-kilometer Manja road officially begins. The project, which is being spearheaded by the Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, was launched yesterday, marking the start of a development that has been eagerly awaited by the community for years.
- Government Still Searching for Investor for Golden Sands Hotel at Cape MaclearShare Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera, MFN ReporterOctober 3, 2026 | 5:08 AM The Malawi Government says it is yet to secure an investor to finance the construction of the proposed five-star Golden Sands Hotel at Cape Maclear in Mangochi, with environmental and heritage requirements remaining a key consideration for the project. Spokesperson…
- CMST Turns to Local Drug Manufacturers as $18 Million Supplier Debt Deepens Medicine ShortagesShare Listen to this article By Suleman ChiteraLilongwe | 3 October 2026 The Government of Malawi has directed the Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST) to prioritise the procurement of locally manufactured medicines as an immediate measure to ease persistent drug shortages in public health facilities amid continued foreign exchange challenges. Minister of Health and Sanitation,…
- Malawi’s Cultural Industries Generate K28 Billion Annually, University Study FindsShare Listen to this article By MFN News Desk TeamPublished by Malawi Freedom Network2 October 2026 | 6:54 PM Malawi’s cultural and creative industries are contributing about K28 billion annually to the country’s economy, highlighting the growing economic importance of arts, culture and creative enterprise. The figure is contained in the 2026 Mapping Malawi’s Cultural…
- BREAKING: Malawian Teacher Arrested at Airport With R40,000 ForexShare Listen to this article By MFN News Desk Team | 2 October 2026 | 5:02 PM A 37-year-old Malawian teacher of Asian origin, Suhel Shirajamed Gangat, has been arrested at Bakili Muluzi International Airport, formerly Chileka Airport, after allegedly being found in possession of R40,000 (about K4.8 million) in South African currency without the…
- 27,180 beneficiaries to benefit from 2026/ 27 FISP in DowaShare Listen to this article By Vincent Gunde A total of 27,180 beneficiaries are expected to benefit from the 2026/ 2027 Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) in Dowa district. The 2026/ 2027 figure is down by 21,780 from 48,987 beneficiaries recorded for the 2025/ 2026 farming season.Also interestingBusiness»Government Still Searching for Investor for Golden Sands…
The road, which will cost 2.5 billion Kwacha, is expected to be completed within six months. During the launch, Minister Chimwendo Banda emphasized the importance of the project, noting that it will significantly improve infrastructure in the area and contribute to the overall development of Blantyre. He urged DEC Construction Limited, the contractor responsible for the project, to adhere to the timeline while maintaining high construction standards.
“This road is crucial for the people of Manja and the entire Blantyre city. It will improve accessibility and stimulate economic activity in this area. I am urging DEC Construction Limited to ensure the project is completed on time and to a high standard,” said Chimwendo Banda during his address.
This development follows a 2021 visit by the late Vice President Saulos Chilima, who had expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed construction of the road. During that visit, Chilima had made it clear that the government would prioritize the project and ensure it was completed as part of a broader plan to improve infrastructure in the region.
For years, the residents of Manja have faced challenges due to the poor state of the road, which has made transportation difficult, particularly during the rainy season. The road, which connects Manja to other parts of Blantyre, is seen as vital for local businesses, schools, and residents who rely on it for daily commuting.
“I have lived here for over 15 years, and we have been waiting for this road to be fixed for so long. Today, we are happy to see the government finally deliver on its promise,” said one jubilant resident during the launch ceremony.
The 1.3KM stretch is expected to enhance the quality of life for Manja residents, as well as improve the flow of goods and services in the area. The project is also part of the government’s broader initiative to improve road networks across the country, focusing on areas that have historically been neglected.
As the construction gets underway, residents are optimistic that the project will be completed within the stipulated time frame and are looking forward to the positive impact it will have on their community. The successful completion of the road will mark a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in Malawi, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas like Manja.
For now, the people of Manja are celebrating this major step forward, hopeful that their long wait will soon be over, and they will soon enjoy the benefits of a modern, well-maintained road.
