Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango has warned heads of State‑owned enterprises under his ministry to produce measurable results or face removal. He issued the warning during a meeting with chief executive officers of the parastatals at Capital Hill in Lilongwe on Tuesday. The minister faulted the culture of constant complaints about funding and poor stewardship of available resources.
“It’s not the amount of money you have, but what you do with what you have that matters. We need to be achieving more with what we have. Government has trusted you to be in that role; perform accordingly under the spirit of a people‑centred government,” Mhango said.
He described the Ministry of Transport and Public Works as “the face of the country,” highlighting that road, rail and marine networks are central to the nation’s economic life because they move goods and people. For that reason, he said, there is no room for complacency. “The expectation from President Peter Mutharika’s government is that we must do things differently.
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The way things were done five or 10 years ago will not work this time. Whatever we do must resonate with our people,” said Mhango. He said each CEO must present clear, time‑bound deliverables that he will review monthly to ensure alignment with the government’s development agenda.
Referring to the Malawi National Transport Master Plan launched in 2017 and running to 2037, the minister said the strategy already provides the tools and targets needed. Secretary for Transport and Public Works Bright Kumwembe echoed the minister’s sentiments, saying as a controlling officer, he would ensure that the ministry delivers on its core mandate. Air Cargo Limited CEO Thokozani Unyolo said they are geared to deliver on their mandates for the development of the nation’s transport and construction sector. The meeting was part of Mhango’s familiarisation with institutions under his ministry.
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