By Apengie Apengire
Former President of Malawi Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has been recognized by the National Construction Industry Council for his role in promoting high standards and transparency in Malawi’s construction sector.
The award was presented during the first-ever National Construction Day celebrations held in Lilongwe on Tuesday. NCIC Board Chairperson and Quantity Surveyor Jeremiah Magaba announced the honour while addressing industry stakeholders, contractors and government officials at the event.
Magaba said Chakwera has been at the forefront of driving professionalism and accountability in infrastructure development across the country. He noted that Chakwera’s leadership has encouraged better workmanship and value for money in public projects.
According to the NCIC chair, one of the key areas Chakwera has supported is the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative, which seeks to make project data public so citizens can track how money is spent. The Council said this move has helped reduce corruption and improve trust in government projects.
Magaba also highlighted the recent amendment of the NCIC Act. He explained that the revised law, passed by Parliament last month, strengthens the Council’s mandate to regulate the industry, enforce standards, and discipline non-compliant players.
The former President is credited with championing the review process.
National Construction Day brought together engineers, builders, architects and policymakers to discuss challenges facing the sector.
Organizers said the day will now be marked annually to celebrate progress and set new goals for quality infrastructure.
The NCIC award adds to government efforts to improve roads, schools, hospitals and other public facilities under the current administration.
