Civil society organisations (CSOs) advocating for the rehabilitation of the Karonga-Chiweta section of the M1 have expressed disappointment over the failure by Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango to travel to Karonga for a meeting scheduled for Thursday last week.
Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace of Karonga Diocese desk officer Obert Mkandawire said they summoned the minister to discuss the progress on the rehabilitation plans of the 105-kilometre section.
“We are disappointed with his failure because we expected him to attend the meeting. However, we are extending another invitation to the minister to come on Saturday July 18 2026,” he said.
| Jordan Simeon-Phiri
Karonga District CSOs Network together with traditional leaders in the lakeshore district decided to lobby for the rehabilitation of the road without resorting to violence or demonstrations.
On his part, Chilumba Development Initiative representative Goodluck Wandezo Mwamulowe said the Chiweta-Karonga stretch has become impassable.
“Chilumba is between the lake and Nyika National Park which means this road is the only mode of transportation to patients to Mzuzu Central Hospital as well as businesspeople,” he said.
However, a statement released on Saturday, signed by Ministry of Transport and Public Works spokesperson Chikondi Chimala, said government remains committed to constructive engagement with all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, CSOs, the media and the general public.
It reads in part: “We appreciate the concern expressed by CSOs regarding the state of the Chiweta-Karonga Road, which has deteriorated over the past few years.
“Government fully recognises the importance of this road to the nation and remains committed to its complete rehabilitation.”
The statement further noted that as part of these engagement efforts, Mhango recently met traditional leaders from Karonga and Chitipa led by Paramount Chief Kyungu.
“CSOs were also invited to that meeting but did not attend,” it reads.
But in an interview yesterday, Mkandawire said they were not invited to the said meeting with the minister.
