For the past week, the Chiweta–Karonga Road has dominated public discourse. However, this conversation has not been driven by political posturing or controversy, but by a genuine, crying need for development that demands national attention.
The concerns raised about this road are long overdue. Anyone who has navigated this stretch understands the frustration, danger, and economic hardship caused by its dilapidated condition. For years, motorists have endured a route that continues to deteriorate despite repeated promises of rehabilitation.
When I read the message from Paramount Chief Kyungu Mwakabanga III expressing grave concern over the state of the road, I immediately grasped the weight of his words. There is an old adage that when an elder speaks up, it is because the issue has become too critical to ignore.
Having traveled this route for many years, Paramount Chief Kyungu has witnessed its gradual decline and intimately understands its challenges. His distress did not arise overnight.
The other day, I jokingly asked him: “Kyabala, at your advanced age, how do you manage to travel this rough road three times a month?” As always, he smiled, noting that some things are beyond our control. Behind that humble smile lies the reality of a leader who acutely feels both the importance of this road and the daily suffering of his people.
Therefore, I did not view his public message as an attempt to embarrass authorities or score political points. Rather, it was born out of genuine concern for the welfare of the people of Karonga and Chitipa, and for the broader national interest.
This is not merely a regional route; it is a national economic lifeline. We all know the Chiweta–Karonga Road forms a critical segment of the Northern Corridor, linking Malawi to Tanzania and the wider East African market. Freight moves along this corridor daily, and businesses depend on it. Simply put, when this road suffers, the Malawian economy suffers.
I am not speaking on behalf of Paramount Chief Kyungu simply by ties of blood. Rather, I speak out because he has raised a legitimate development issue that demands urgent national attention. He is advocating for the communities that rely on this vital route for their livelihoods and for the entire Malawian nation.
What concerns me, however, is how quickly some civil society actors have jumped on the bandwagon, calling for the blockage of the road to force government action. I respectfully disagree with that approach.
One could rightfully ask where these organizations were all these years while the road continued to deteriorate. Why have they only become active now, after Paramount Chief Kyungu has raised the alarm?
Malawi’s economy is already facing serious challenges. Businesses are struggling, transport costs are rising, and trade is increasingly difficult. Closing one of the country’s most important transport corridors would only worsen the situation. Paramount Chief Kyungu put simply, blocking the road would amount to economic sabotage. That is why I cannot support this tactic in its entirety; it represents deeply misplaced advocacy.
I advise civil society to play a constructive role instead. Now that the government has responded positively—with the Road Authority advancing plans for the reconstruction—stakeholders should focus on monitoring the procurement process, tracking the implementation of the project, and ensuring transparency and accountability. This is precisely where civil society is needed most—not on the barricades.
Our civil society must learn to be proactive rather than reactive. It should identify problems before they become crises and engage consistently, rather than only when issues briefly attract public attention. Most importantly, advocates must focus on solutions that promote accountability without harming the economy. That is the hallmark of patriotic and responsible advocacy.
Yes, Malawi deserves a better road network. The people of Karonga and Chitipa deserve a reliable road now more than ever. But we must say a firm ‘no’ to road blockages that will further hinder our national development.
