Salima Central West MP Calls for Urgent Rehabilitation of Road Network

Salima Central West Member of Parliament Enock Phale has appealed to the Ministry of Transport and Public Works to urgently rehabilitate several roads in his constituency, saying they have become impassable and are affecting access to essential services.

Phale made the appeal in Parliament on Friday during question time, asking the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango, to prioritize the rehabilitation of the deteriorating roads.

The legislator specifically highlighted the road stretching from Kanyenyemva to Kaniche via Chitala and Nsombe in Traditional Authority Khombedza, describing it as a vital route that provides access to the Chitala Research Station, where various agricultural research activities are conducted.

He said the area is also a major farming zone, with increased agricultural activities contributing to the rapid deterioration of the road. According to Phale, the damage caused by the last rainy season has made the road difficult to use, disrupting the movement of people and goods.

Phale further noted that the road connects to the M14 Road, which links Kanengo in Lilongwe to Salima, making it an important route for economic and public activities. He therefore urged the ministry to upgrade and rehabilitate the road as a matter of urgency.

In response, Minister Jappie Mhango assured the House that his ministry would consider the roads highlighted by the lawmaker for rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Phale also brought a group of young men and women from his constituency to Parliament on an educational tour. He said the youths are undergoing tailoring skills training at El-Shaddai School Development Centre, operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as well as at the Phale Tailoring School, which he established.

He explained that the tailoring school was created to equip young people with practical vocational skills, reduce idleness, and enable them to become self-reliant and productive members of society.

Addressing the youths, Phale encouraged them to promote peace and unity in their communities, drawing lessons from the conduct of Members of Parliament despite political differences.

“There is a misconception out there that when people hear or see us debating on the radio or television, they think we are enemies. That is why I brought these youths here—to see how we interact and coexist despite sitting on different sides of the Chamber. We are united by one goal: improving the livelihoods of Malawians. I encourage you to maintain the same spirit of peace and unity when you return to your communities,” said Phale.

Members of Parliament have now completed two weeks of deliberations during the Third Ordinary Meeting of the National Assembly in its 52nd Session.