Floating vegetation mats at Chia Bridge in Nkhotakota District has blocked a key section of the M5 and disrupted water flow into Chia Lagoon, triggering flooding and threatening livelihoods.
The vegetation mats, locally known as “floatons”, have accumulated since February and now form a dense mass that is obstructing the bridge and restricting movement of water between Chia Lagoon and Lake Malawi.
Lagoon. | Wycliffe Njiragoma
Environmental officials say the situation goes beyond a localised blockage, warning that the disruption could have ripple effects on fisheries, biodiversity and water regulation systems that extend beyond Nkhotakota.
Nkhotakota district environmental officer Jane Kayira said the scale and density of the accumulation is unusual and already affecting hydrological flow.
“They have clogged the bridge, causing flooding in surrounding communities as water flow to the lake has become restricted,” she said.
Kayira said floatons are a natural feature of wetland ecosystems, formed from plant matter and soil that bind together in shallow water.
She warned that the mass has effectively become a “mobile ecosystem” that may contain wildlife such as crocodiles, snakes and birds, complicating any immediate removal efforts.
“We have engaged the Roads Authority [RA] and are awaiting a technically sound intervention plan,” said Kayira.
The blockage has also affected agriculture, fishing and conservation activities linked to the wider Chia Lagoon system.
Chia Bird Hunters Association chairperson Shaban Mtila said floods have damaged cassava and rice fields while also disrupting fishing and conservation work.
“Access routes are blocked, which is affecting our ability to monitor bird sanctuaries and protect biodiversity,” he said.
Mtila said personnel believed to be from a private contractor, China20, previously inspected the site and marked affected areas, but no clearance works have begun.
There was no immediate comment from the RA and its spokesperson Alice Chinthochi could not be reached.
Chia Lagoon, covering about 17 square kilometres, is Malawi’s largest lagoon and connects Lake Malawi through a narrow channe
