Traders, mainly from the outskirts and rural areas of Malawi’s capital Lilongwe eagerly wait for a first-ever tarmac road.
Funded by the United States’ Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Malawi Government intends to upgrade the 53-kilometer gravel road to an all-weather bituminous road.
The construction starts from Lilongwe, bustling peri-urban market called Chigwirizano Trading Centre where traders like Susan Khobidi, a youthful tailor, is optimistic of increased business activities.
“I have heard that the new road will have streetlights, so my customers won’t have to worry about visiting after dark. This means I can keep my shop open longer, which will be great for business,” said Susan.
Proceeds from the shop help Susan supports her to supplement her husband’s income and support their family of two children. The lack of street lighting at night and a narrow dusty road passage discourages customers from her shop and other shops. Trading in darkness is risky, Susan cited that women and girls are at higher risk to walk around at night, yet they are her esteemed customers. But with the streetlights and a tarmac road, security is expected to improve.
Sharing optimism with Susan is another a male youthful businessperson, Blessings Chisomo owner of an electronics shop next to Susan’s shop. He complains that dust from the road, “Ideally, the electronic gadgets are supposed to be kept dust free environment.” Blessings is among young enterprising Malawians working hard by contributing to the penetration of technology into the rural areas. Malawi cites advanced technology as part of the catalysts for the country’s development.
Blessings is excited to learn that the MCC through the local implementing entity, Millennium Challenge Account Malawi II (MCA Malawi II) are finalizing preparations for the road construction to start soon.
“I’ve heard about the construction; this is exciting as it will boost my business from reducing dust to extended trading hours.” He added. Presently, Blessings makes about K400, 000 a week, especially during school examinations, as the schools print and photocopy examination scripts at the shop. Chisomo holds a senior secondary certificate.
Construction of the road starts from Chigwirizano Trading Centre and finishes at Chileka market centre by connecting with the main tarmac road from Lilongwe to Zambia via Mchinji. Government secured US$350 million from the US for a project on land and transport where 300 kilometers of paved roads will be built across the country. The development seeks to open up rural areas to farm markets.