Communities Key to Quality Road Infrastructure, Says NCIC
The government, through the NCIC, is currently reconstructing the M1 road from Lilongwe via Mponela.
Malawi-The National Construction Industry Council of Malawi (NCIC) has emphasized the crucial role of communities in ensuring the quality of road infrastructure in the country, writes Kondwani Kandiado.
During a community awareness campaign held at Chimwaza Trading Centre in Mponela-Dowa, NCIC Chief Executive Officer, Gerald Khonje, stated that the campaign aligns with the organization’s strategic plan pillars of stakeholder focus and integrity.
“Every Malawian is a stakeholder. Every Malawian is a strategic partner in achieving our objectives in the construction industry. For us to have quality roads, we need people operating in a professional way,” Khonje said.
He also highlighted the importance of community participation in identifying, detecting, and reporting any unethical conduct that could compromise the quality of the road.
Challenges such as the selling of project materials and theft were cited as issues the NCIC faces.
Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Senior Public Education Officer, Cannon Chenjezi, described the construction industry as a fertile ground for corruption.
“We partnered with NCIC to sensitize the communities to make sure that they are watchdogs and that they report any corrupt practice to ACB,” said Chenjezi.
Christopher Maxwell of Chimwaza trading centre described the road show campaign by the two organizations as an eye-opener.
The government, through the NCIC, is currently reconstructing the M1 road from Lilongwe via Mponela.