Mining & Trade News

Government is progressing with preparations to construct an international airport in Mangochi as part of its plans to turn the district into the centre of tourism in Malawi.

This is contained in the State of the Nation Address that State President Arthur Peter Mutharika delivered in parliament in Lilongwe at the opening of the 2019/2020 budget meeting.

He said: “My Government recognizes that we need more investment in the tourism sector, In that regard, I want to report to this House that we will vigorously pursue our program to transform Mangochi into a tourism capital of Malawi.”

“We have a plan for a five-star hotel, an international airport, a golf course, shopping malls and modern roads and other top facilities.”

He also pledged to develop tourism facilities on Mulanje and Zomba mountains including cableway cars to attract more visitors to Malawi.

Mutharika said as part of tourism development, his government has also undertaken extensive rehabilitation at Chileka International Airport.

“The resurfacing of the main runway is underway in order to improve the airport so that we increase its air traffic activity,” he said.

Mutharika told the House that his government has also rehabilitated and expanded the Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) using proceeds of a grant from the government of Japan.

The project involved the expansion of the current terminal building, construction of international and domestic departure and arrival terminals, and installation of a radar system.

Mutharika said government’s plans to construct new international airports in Mzuzu and Mangochi are also on course.

On water transport, Mutharika announced that his government has started construction of a MK10 billion port at Likoma Island, and the works will be executed in 18 months.

He said the project comes in the wake of the recent improvement of NkhataBay Port and the installation of light beacons which have enhanced the safety of passengers and vessels.

He said plans are also underway to link Nkhata-Bay and Mbamba Bay Ports under the Mtwara Development Corridor which is 400 kilometres shorter than the Dar-es-Salaam route in order to have additional access to the Indian Ocean.

On rail transport, Mutharika said his Government, in collaboration with Central East African Railways (CEAR) Limited, is rehabilitating the 399-kilometre railway section from Nkaya in Balaka to Mchinji.

“Under the same arrangement, we are also in the process of reconstructing the 72-km Limbe-Sandama railway,” he said.

On road construction, he said his government is working on construction of several major roads including Zomba-Jali-Phalombe-Chitakale,  Thyolo-Thekerani-Muona-Makhanga Road, Njakwa –Livingstonia, Dual Carriage way between Parliament     Round-about and Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe,  Thabwa-Chitseko-Seveni     Road,  Ntcheu-Tsangano-Neno, Lirangwe-Chingale-Machinga, Lumbadzi-Dowa-Chezi, Kawere-Mkanda, Jenda-Edingeni, Rumphi-Nyika turn-off-Hewe Road, and Blantyre Ring Road.

By Jacqueline Monjeza

The Roads Authority (RA) IS inviting bids from eligible contractors for the rehabilitation of the Golomoti-Monkey bay/ Makata- turnoff (M10) road, a key route expected to improve transport efficiency in central and southern Malawi.

The project is being funded by the Government of Malawi through the Roads Fund Administration with procurement conducted under international competitive bidding procedures.

According to the notice, the works will involve rehabilitation of existing road to improve driving conditions and safety.

The project has been divided into two lots: Lot 1 covers the Golomoti Turn-off to Chamtulo stretch (30km), while Lot 2 runs from Chamtulo to Golomoti (28.4km). In total, the road section measures approximately 58.4 kilometers. The Roads Authority says the upgrade will follow standard specifications to ensure durability and long-term performance.

Bidding is open to qualified contractors registered with the National Construction Industry Council in the Unlimited Civil Engineering category. Interested bidders are required to submit separate bids for each lot, along with proof of financial, technical, and equipment capacity. The tender allows companies to apply for one or both lots, provided they meet the necessary requirements. A complete set of bidding documents can be obtained from the Roads Authority upon payment of non-refundable fee K50,000, and bidders must also provide a bid security as specified in the tender.

The Roads Authority has outlined key timelines for the process, including deadlines for submission and opening of bids at its head office in Lilongwe. Clarifications can be requested within stipulated period, while site visits may be arranged to help bidders better understand the project conditions.

The deadline for submission of bids is April 1.