Silent guardian of Lilongwe’s roads

In the bustling streets of Lilongwe, where the jarring thud of tyres hitting potholes is part of the daily rythm, exists a silent hero amidst the chaos.

Alfred Matemba is an unassuming figure with a lean frame and unkempt hair.

But his very presence offers a glimmer of hope to weary commuters navigating the capital city’s tortuous roads.

While Lilongwe’s potholes have become an infamous fixture, Matemba’s tireless efforts have transformed him into a symbol of resilience and reliability.

He possesses a demeanour that belies his outward look. Blithe, dirty and unkempt, the 42-year-old exudes an air of quiet determination as he sets about his daily task of patching the worn-out roads.

His work is not merely a job. It is a calling to ensure smoother journeys for all who traverse Lilongwe’s thoroughfares.

With each patch of dirt and gravel he meticulously applies, the man offers not just a temporary fix but a sense of reassurance to motorists.

His handiwork provides a silent promise that the road ahead may be bumpy, but it’s navigable with him around.

As he goes about his work, Matemba’s interactions with motorists are marked by a surprising gentle politeness and respect.

With a nod of acknowledgment and a polite “bwana”, he recognises the inconvenience his presence may cause, yet his efforts are met with gratitude as motorists toss notes of appreciation into a red plastic container at his feet.

It is a symbiotic relationship born out of necessity and mutual respect, a testament to the unwavering spirit of community that thrives amid Lilongwe’s bustling streets.

Matemba’s tenure as Lilongwe’s unofficial road repairer spans multiple presidential administrations, a fact he gestures to with pride, albeit in a somewhat unconventional manner.

“I have been doing this since Bingu wa Mutharika’s presidency [2004 to 2012],” he explains.

On this particular Sunday, as the city awakens to the promise of a new day, Matemba finds himself on the section of road that leads into City Centre from the Kamuzu Institute for Youth in the clustered Kawale Township.

Amidst the cacophony of honking horns and bustling activity, he labours away—his hands working tirelessly mending the scars of neglect that mar the surface of the asphalt.

He started fixing the roads after noting their deteriorating state.

“I started volunteering to ensure that motorists could drive safely and not compromise the safety of pedestrians,” says the Kawale-based father of a two-year-old.

He is concerned that when the roads are damaged, motorists tend to drive on the sidewalks to avoid potholes.

His work, currently his family’s sole means of sustenance, earns K3 000 to K4 000 after a hard day’s labour.

“That is enough to get by for my small family,” he says.

Despite occasional scorn from some motorists who expect government to keep roads in a good shape, Matemba generally receives a lot of love and has built relationships with many.

“People who have witnessed the job that I do for the city really show me love and nearly everyone with a car in Lilongwe knows me because I have been all over the city fixing roads, from Area 25, Area 3, Senti, Falls, Lumbadzi, literally the whole Lilongwe,” he says.

Matemba has not faced any restrictions from the Lilongwe City Council.

Yet, despite his commitment to filling the city’s potholes, Matemba dreams of larger opportunities.

“I would be happy if someone supported me by giving me a decent job. I only do this because of poverty, but I have massive skills in other things.”

He expresses willingness to join any of the major road construction projects in the city if given the chance.

“Of course, I have been approached by companies, saying that they would engage me, but none has done so yet. But if they offered me a job and gave me a worksuit, I’d be too glad to jump on the opportunity because I am really passionate about what I do.”