By Chisomo Phiri
The Roads Authority (RA) says persistent fuel shortages is disrupting the ongoing rehabilitation and maintenance of the M1 road between Lilongwe and Blantyre, with contractors requiring approximately 2,000 litres of fuel daily to keep construction activities running.
Despite the challenge, RA says work on the road is progressing well, although contractors are increasingly feeling the impact of the fuel crisis.
Speaking during a media briefing at one of the construction sites, RA Acting Projects Engineer Derrick Manda said the project is progressing well in terms of funding and the availability of skilled personnel.
However, he said fuel shortages are emerging as a major threat to the smooth implementation of the works.
Manda said the authority appealed to the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) to consider the contractors’ fuel requirements to prevent possible disruptions to construction activities.
The rehabilitation programme comprises three maintenance contracts valued at a combined K113.33 billion.
The works include road rehabilitation, resealing, pothole patching and improvements to road shoulders.
As of November 10, 2026, the Lizulu-Ntcheu section recorded 58 percent completion, while the Lizulu-Lilongwe and Chingeni-Kameza sections achieved 15 percent and seven percent completion, respectively.
