Contractors hired for Blantyre-Lilongwe M1

The Roads Authority (RA) has allocated K96 billion and hired contractors to undertake periodic maintenance, pothole patching and drainage improvement works on the M1 section between Lilongwe and Blantyre. The authority has since issued a notice of intention to award contracts worth K245.78 billion to different contractors for road maintenance and rehabilitation projects, including works on the M10. The action on the Blantyre- Lilongwe M1 comes barely a month after President Peter Mutharika on May 5 2026 expressed shock at the condition of the 320km road.

He directed Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango to ensure that the roads were rehabilitated. In the notice dated May 27 2026, RA said it intends to award a K51.6 billion contract to DEC/ACH/Mungo to work on the stretch from Bunda Turn-off in Lilongwe to Kameza Roundabout in Blantyre. Further, a K44.7 billion contract is set to be given to Mkaka/PBM Joint Venture to work on the same stretch.

“The deadline to receive a debriefing expires at midnight June 10 2026. Bidders may request debriefing in relation to the results of the evaluation of the bids,” the notice reads in part. Mota-Engil Africa is expected to be awarded a K75.4 billion contract to rehabilitate the M10 to bitumen standard from Chantulo to Golomoti on the Golomoti-Monkey Bay section of the Masasa-Golomoti Monkey Bay Road while Unik Construction Engineering will receive a K74 billion contract for works on the Golomoti Turn-off to Chantulo section.

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On the timeline for the works, RA spokesperson Lawrent Kumchenga requested a questionnaire but had not responded by press time yesterday. Ministry of Transport and Public Works spokesperson Chikondi Chimala asked to be given more time to consult. Transporters Association of Malawi spokesperson Frank Banda commended the authority for the move, saying the transporters have been engaging the government to maintain the road for the past three years. Similarly, Professional Drivers Union secretary Mphatso Mollen commended the government, saying current road conditions delays them on the road.

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