Roads Authority Sensitizes Dowa Council on Chimwaza-Nambuma Road Project

The Roads Authority (RA) has held stakeholder sensitization meetings with the District Executive Committee (DEC) and community members in Dowa to discuss the 21-kilometre Chimwaza–Nambuma Road construction project.

The RA has contracted China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to upgrade the road to bitumen (tarmac) standard. The project is expected to create employment opportunities for many people living near the road, with at least 40 percent of the total workforce preferably being women.

Currently, the contractor is establishing a campsite around Kalonga Trading Centre along the Chimwaza–Nambuma Road.

Presenting the project, RA’s Social Planning Officer Boston Kadzamila said the existing road is narrow, posing safety challenges for users. The upgraded road will have a 36-meter-wide corridor—18 meters on each side from the centerline.

Kadzamila highlighted that the project will reduce travel time, improve quality of life for road users and nearby residents, and enhance economic productivity along the route. He added that there will be knowledge transfer from the contractor to local communities and civil engineering professionals. The improved road will also eliminate dust-related diseases, promote a cleaner environment, and create a more desirable working atmosphere.

However, Kadzamila acknowledged potential negative impacts such as dust and noise pollution, land degradation from borrow pits and quarry sites, loss of vegetation and business structures, as well as increased risks of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and waterborne and airborne diseases.

“The project has mitigation measures in place, such as regular dust suppression with water, provision of heavy-duty masks for workers, distribution of condoms at strategic locations, and ongoing sensitization meetings on HIV/AIDS and STIs,” said Kadzamila.

He emphasized the crucial role stakeholders play in the project’s success, noting the RA expects full support from the council and other key stakeholders—especially in areas such as land acquisition for borrow pits and grievance redress mechanisms.

Kadzamila appealed to DEC members to support the project and sensitize surrounding communities to promote a sense of ownership and ensure long-term sustainability. He stressed that road construction is a costly venture that requires local cooperation.

Speaking on behalf of the Dowa District Council, Acting Chief Planning Officer Yusuf Laki welcomed the project, saying it presents an opportunity to address community needs. He assured the RA that the council will ensure consistent monitoring to promote transparency, participation, and accountability during all phases of the project.

The Chimwaza–Nambuma Road construction project, funded by the Malawi Government through the Roads Authority, is expected to run for 18 months with a total budget of MK18,315,607,746.81.