By Joe Cholinga
Turbulent period awaits motorists in the country as the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has set a staggering K25 billion revenue target for the Malawi Police Service Road Traffic Department – an outrageous increase from the previous year’s K8 billion.
Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamveka has described the increase as a necessary response to rampant traffic violations.
Justifying the increase, Mwanamveka says the target is necessary because there are a lot of traffic violations on the roads.
“There are many vehicles breaking traffic rules, unroadworthy cars on the roads, and drivers without licences. These must be penalized. In fact, K25 billion is a modest target,” he said.
However, the directive has unleashed a torrent of concerns. Motorists anticipate more frequent roadblocks, increased scrutiny on driving licenses, and rigorous checks on vehicle fitness and insurance documentation.
“How are they expecting to collect that much?” wondered Thomas Kalibwino, a local taxi driver. “It sounds more like a cash grab than an effort to improve road safety. More roadblocks, more inspections, it’s not going to be good for us.”
Meanwhile, Miriam Banda, a student who commutes daily to school, was anxious about the impending chaos.
“I don’t mind traffic rules, but it feels like it’s all about the money now,” she lamented. “I have seen how desperate some officers become during inspections.”
