Government has issued a stern warning to individuals vandalising newly installed infrastructure on Lilongwe’s upgraded roads, saying the malpractice is undermining national development efforts and will not be tolerated.
Minister of Transport and Public Works Feston Kaupa sounded the warning this afternoon when he delivered a ministerial statement in Parliament on the progress and strategic direction of Malawi’s transport and public works development.
Kaupa expressed concern over rising cases of vandalism targeting streetlights and solar panels on newly constructed dual carriageways in the capital city, saying such acts were making night travel unsafe and reversing the government’s progress in modernising urban infrastructure.
“The only tragedy we are currently facing is that the streetlights on these beautiful roads are being vandalised, a practice that is indecent and retrogressive,” said Kaupa. “I wish to appeal to all such ill-minded people to stop this malpractice forthwith, because once they are caught, they will face the full wrath of the law.”
The minister cited completed projects such as the Crossroads–Kanengo Dual Carriageway, the Dr. Saluos Klaus Chilima Highway from Parliament Building to Old Town, and Mzimba Street Dual Carriageway, all of which have been upgraded with modern street lighting to improve safety and visibility.
Kaupa also called on Members of Parliament, especially those representing constituencies in and around Lilongwe, to help sensitise their communities on the importance of protecting public infrastructure.
“These roads and all infrastructure belong to us as Malawians. It is our collective responsibility to guard them jealously,” he emphasised.
Kaupa reaffirmed government’s commitment under the leadership of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to improving the transport sector as a key driver of trade, connectivity, and economic growth.