By Burnett Munthali
The road that stretches from Parliament, through the City Centre, and onward to Old Town in Lilongwe is currently undergoing a significant transformation.
Commonly known as the “Six-Way Road,” this major urban artery has long served as a vital connector between the administrative heart of Malawi and the city’s oldest commercial hub.
The ongoing road upgrading project, undertaken by the government, reflects a strategic move to modernize critical infrastructure and enhance traffic flow in the capital.
As one travels along this stretch, the changes are increasingly evident — from the widening of lanes to the construction of new pedestrian pathways and improved drainage systems.
The road is being expanded into six lanes, aiming to accommodate the rising number of vehicles and reduce chronic congestion that has plagued this route for years.
This development is expected to improve not only mobility but also economic productivity by reducing travel time and improving logistics efficiency between government offices and business districts.
Heavy equipment, construction workers, and traffic diversions have become a daily sight, signaling the intensity and scale of the project.
Despite the temporary inconveniences, such as dust, noise, and slow traffic movement, many Lilongwe residents are expressing appreciation for the long-overdue facelift of this road.
Government officials overseeing the project have assured the public that the construction is progressing according to schedule and will be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
They emphasize that the upgrade is a key part of the broader urban infrastructure improvement initiatives under the Malawi 2063 development blueprint.
The road’s improvement will also play a role in beautifying the capital, with landscaped medians, proper signage, and modern street lighting forming part of the final design.
City planners anticipate that this road will ease the pressure on other routes and enhance connectivity between Parliament, the City Centre, and the bustling Old Town markets.
Businesses located along this corridor are expected to benefit from increased customer traffic once the road is complete, with easier access attracting more visitors and traders.
However, stakeholders have also raised the issue of maintenance, stressing the need for the government to ensure that the road does not fall into disrepair soon after completion.
Environmental considerations have been addressed in the project design, with efforts made to minimize the negative impact of construction on surrounding trees, water channels, and residential areas.
Traffic police and city authorities have been active in managing the flow of vehicles during construction, although some road users still complain about poor signage and unclear diversions.
For pedestrians and cyclists, the inclusion of dedicated walkways and bike lanes has been praised as a forward-thinking step toward safer and more inclusive road usage.
As the road takes shape, it represents more than just a transport upgrade—it is a symbol of growth, planning, and government responsiveness to the needs of a modern city.
If the project is completed to standard and maintained properly, the Six-Way Road from Parliament to Old Town may stand as a landmark of urban transformation in Malawi.
Its success could inspire similar infrastructure upgrades across other parts of the country, signaling a new era in road development and city planning.
In the eyes of many citizens, the road’s transformation is a clear indication that when government focuses on people-centered development, progress becomes tangible.
