Government is yet to pay road contractors a sum of k79 billion owed.

Last year, The Ministry of Transport and Public Works indicated that the debt was negatively affecting road construction works, with works on some roads stalling altogether. However, the Ministry of Finance spokesperson Williams Banda said that the Treasury will not release the funds until national audit reports are available. “The government has to pay the arrears but, for the government to pay them, the rule is that there must be thorough verification by the National Audit [Office],” he said.

Last year, President Lazarus Chakwera committed to reduce traffic congestion especially in the cities, announcing that it will commence a project to construct a six-lane carriage in Lilongwe at an estimated cost of K13 billion.