Diagnostic view of road projects in Malawi

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, road is the dominant mode of transportation. As such, government and developmental agencies in the region usually invest in road projects significantly. However, the delivery of road projects that are supposed to act as the catalyst for socioeconomic development is fast becoming an uphill task in Malawi. A number of problems have been reported in the media. This development led to a preliminary diagnostic study that was aimed at examining the barriers that are hindering the successful execution of road projects in Malawi in 2012. The investigation that was conducted among engineers who are employed by the agency responsible for road projects in Malawi and civil engineering contractors used a self-administered questionnaire for data collection. Salient findings suggest that delayed payment by clients severely marginalises contractor performance and delivered projects are seldom defect free. Considering Malawi’s heavy dependence on roads as a means of transportation, it is crucial that these barriers be addressed without delay.