Government Upgrading M1 Road to World-Class Standards
The Government of Malawi is rehabilitating the 66. 5-kilometer M1 Road from Kacheche to Chiweta, transforming it into a state-of-the-art road network rivaling the best in Southern Africa. Our observer team has confirmed the upgrade.
The rehabilitation, which began at Airport junction in Lilongwe, aims to ease traffic congestion, particularly between kilometer 52 (Jalawe near Mchenga Coal Mine) and kilometer 66.5 (Chiweta winding strip). The road will feature three lanes, facilitating smoother traffic flow.
Briefing journalists after a tour of the rehabilitated road section, Kelvin Sato, Spokesperson for the Minister of Transport and Public Works, the project will enhance connectivity between Malawi and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, particularly with Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
“According to the new plan, some sections in the mountains of Boliwoli will have three carriage ways to ease congestion pitting it among some of the best Highways in the Southern African region,” said Sato.
Governance and human rights activist Undule Mwakasungula commended the Tonse Alliance government for fulfilling its promise to rehabilitate the 50-year-old road. He praised the intensified maintenance and upgrade works, especially between Kacheche and Chiweta in Rumphi District.
“The M1 Road is crucial to Malawi’s infrastructure, linking the country to the broader SADC region,” Mwakasungula noted. “The addition of three carriageways in certain sections will ease congestion, facilitate efficient transportation of goods and services, and boost economic activities in the north, benefiting local communities and the national economy.”
He further emphasized the road’s significance in regional integration, strengthening Malawi’s position as a key transit route and enhancing connectivity with neighboring countries.
While some doubts exist about the government’s ability to deliver, the successful implementation of this project will build public trust, demonstrating the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and responsiveness to the needs of Malawians.
