Blantyre Road Rehabilitation Set to Begin in September

Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera BLANTYRE — Blantyre City Council is set to begin a major programme to rehabilitate roads across the city by the end of September 2026, in a development expected to improve traffic flow, road safety and access to key public and commercial areas. The rehabilitation programme follows the signing of a financing agreement between Blantyre City Council and the Road Fund Administration (RFA), paving the way for the mobilisation of contractors, machinery and other resources required for the works. Blantyre City Council Public Relations Officer Debora Luka confirmed that preparations for the project are already at an advanced stage, although the precise commencement date will depend on the completion of outstanding technical and administrative approvals. She said the council was working with the RFA to speed up the approval process and ensure that road works can start as soon as all requirements are completed. The first phase of the Blantyre road rehabilitation project will focus on two important road corridors identified as priorities following an assessment of road conditions and their importance to residents, motorists and businesses. Kenyatta Drive among first roads targeted One of the roads earmarked for rehabilitation is Kenyatta Drive, a major arterial route serving Blantyre Urban. According to the council, improving the road is expected to ease congestion while making it easier for residents to access schools, markets, health facilities and other essential services. The second priority route is the Makhetha–Makata Road via Nkolokoti, which provides an important link between semi-urban communities, Blantyre city centre and industrial areas. The council says the selection of the two roads was based on their traffic volumes and their wider economic and social importance to the city. Transport operators welcome road works The planned rehabilitation has also been welcomed by transport operators who say deteriorating roads have become a major challenge for public transport businesses in Blantyre. Minibus Owners Association of Malawi Secretary Coxley Kamange said poor road conditions were contributing to congestion, longer travelling times and increased operating difficulties for minibus operators. He said potholes and damaged sections of roads force motorists to reduce their speed, change lanes or take alternative routes, particularly during busy periods. Kamange also warned that deteriorated roads create additional risks for motorists, passengers and pedestrians. Drivers attempting to avoid potholes can sometimes make sudden manoeuvres, increasing the possibility of collisions and other road accidents. What the Blantyre road project means for residents The rehabilitation programme comes at a time when road conditions remain an important concern for residents and businesses operating in Blantyre. For motorists, improved roads could mean smoother journeys and reduced vehicle damage. For public transport operators, better roads could help reduce delays and some vehicle maintenance costs. Businesses located along the affected corridors could also benefit from improved access and more reliable movement of customers, workers and goods. However, the council has indicated that the September timeline remains dependent on the completion of the necessary approvals. If the outstanding clearances are secured as planned, mobilisation of equipment and contractors is expected to begin ahead of the start of physical rehabilitation works. The initial focus on Kenyatta Drive and Makhetha–Makata Road via Nkolokoti is expected to provide the foundation for further road rehabilitation interventions across Blantyre City. For a city where congestion, damaged road surfaces and traffic safety remain persistent concerns, the September 2026 programme could mark an important step towards restoring some of Blantyre's major transport corridors. Read also: DPP Supporters Demand Immediate Firing of Presidential Adviser Luthar Mambala Over 'Betrayal' of Freedom Fighters Read also: Kickboxing and mixed martial arts training launched in Malawi Read also: FAM Prioritise Youth Football Development For Future Success