Revolutionary Plastic Road Signs Tackle Vandalism, Save Money
If successful, the initiative could be adopted by other cities in Malawi and across Africa struggling with road sign vandalism.
Mzuzu, Malawi- Limbikani Entreprises has pioneered a revolutionary plastic road sign system to tackle rampant vandalism plaguing the cities of Mzuzu and Lilongwe, writes Tionge Hara.
By replacing traditional metal signs with durable, tamper-proof plastic alternatives, the company has significantly reduced costs and improved road safety.
"Cases of vandalism of metal road signs has been of great concern but with the coming in of these plastic road signs as a ministry we can say this is a positive development," said Watson Mayingo, spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Public Works.
Limbikani Entreprises managing director Limbikani Mhango said the plastic signs, which have a 10-year warranty, are a first for Africa.
"These are of good advantage. No resell value, can't burn from wild fires, long lasting," he said.
More than 10 plastic road signs have already been installed around Mzuzu.
The signs cannot be stolen and sold as scrap metal like traditional metal signs.
They are also resistant to damage from vegetation overgrowth and wildfires.
The pioneering initiative is expected to save significant costs by reducing the need for replacement of vandalized signs.
Over the past five years, over 300 road signs have been vandalized in Mzuzu alone, costing taxpayers millions of kwacha.
Mayingo said the ministry will closely evaluate the effectiveness of the plastic signs during the pilot phase before potentially rolling them out more widely.
But he said initial results look promising.
For Limbikani Entreprises, the plastic road signs represent an innovative solution to a longstanding problem using affordable, locally produced materials.
If successful, the initiative could be adopted by other cities in Malawi and across Africa struggling with road sign vandalism.