Manufacturers Association of Malawi (MAM) and Economics Association of Malawi (Ecama) have warned that the ongoing truck drivers’ strike will impact the national economy.
Cargo movement came to a halt yesterday when truck drivers travelling to and from Mozambique parked their vehicles to demand action on security concerns in Mozambique where they are being attacked and robbed.
In an interview, MAM chairperson Gloria Zimba said due to the country’s dependence on road transport for hauling raw materials and finished products, any hiccup on movement from the manufacturer to the user will lead to price increases.
She said: “If raw materials are not readily available, it becomes a question of demand and supply. Automatically, the little resources available will be scarce.
“Cost of raw materials will rise; hence, affecting cost of production and consequently spur inflation.”
She pleaded with the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Finance and Transport to urgently work with their Mozambican counterparts in addressing the situation, saying ultimately, it is the consumers who will suffer.
Ecama president Bertha Bangara-Chikadza said if not resolved in time, the logistical halt can interrupt the supply of goods, leading to temporary scarcity of commodities on the market which may affect prices.
She said: “In the short term, profit margins could be affected for businesses that are exporting.
“It is, therefore, important to observe the amount of the trucks affected and the goods being transported. We hope that the authorities will act on this problem quickly.”
Petroleum Importers Limited general manager Martin Msimuko was yet to establish how much the situation has affected fuel tankers, but said if the strike persists, it would disrupt petroleum products’ supply chain.
He said: “My team is checking. So far our trucks have crossed into the country so let me revert after I get a report.”
Both the Professional Drivers Union of Malawi (Produm) and Transporters Association of Malawi (TAM) confirmed in separate interviews that no trucks are passing through the border posts of Mwanza/Zobue and Dedza/Calomue.
Produm general secretary Mphatso Mollen said they issued an order for Malawian and foreign drivers to stay put at the borders as the two governments work on a solution.
TAM spokesperson Frank Banda confirmed that they had been notified of the action, but said there was nothing they could do about it since it involves personal safety.
In a written response yesterday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Nkhalamba said it is aware of the challenges that Malawian transporters are facing while transiting through Mozambique and that they are engaging their Mozambican counterparts to ensure the issues are addressed.
