03/11/2026
𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝟏 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃: 𝐊𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐀–𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐖𝐄𝐓𝐀 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
The rehabilitation of the 105-kilometre Karonga–Chiweta section of the M1 Road has taken a major step forward following the official handover of the project to two contractors by the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Hon. Jappie Mhango, during a ceremony held in Karonga yesterday.
The project, which is being implemented in two lots, will see Unik Construction Engineering (M) Ltd rehabilitate the 53-kilometre Chiweta–Wowwe section (Lot 1), while China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) will undertake the 52-kilometre Wowwe Bridge–Karonga section (Lot 2).
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Minister urged the contractors to execute the works efficiently, maintain high construction standards and ensure that the project is delivered within the stipulated timeframe.
Paramount Chief Kyungu called on communities along the road corridor to take ownership of the project by safeguarding construction equipment and materials against theft and vandalism, emphasising that protecting these resources is essential to ensuring successful and timely delivery.
𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓
Upon arrival, Roads Authority Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Joel Longwe, briefed the Minister on the proposed engineering design and construction approach, highlighting the measures being incorporated to deliver a durable road capable of withstanding the demands of heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions.
Engineer Longwe further indicated that the project will incorporate two toll gates to provide a sustainable source of funding for the future maintenance of the road. A weighbridge will also be installed to monitor vehicle loads and guard against overloading, which is one of the major threats to road durability.
Key construction features include:
• Stronger pavement structure: The road will have a 150mm cement-stabilised sub-base, a 200mm emulsion-treated base, a 60mm asphalt concrete binder course and a 40mm asphalt concrete wearing course. These layers are designed to provide a strong foundation and durable riding surface.
• Improved drainage infrastructure: Existing culverts will be replaced with concrete box culverts and pipe culverts to improve water passage and drainage, helping to protect the road against water-related damage.
• Wider and safer road sections: The rehabilitated road will have a 6.8-metre carriageway, complemented by 1.5-metre sealed shoulders on either side, improving road safety and providing additional support to the pavement structure.
• Improved road safety features: Improved signs and markings.
