The Construction Industry Regulatory Authority (CIRA) has called for urgent reforms to address persistent challenges affecting Malawi’s construction sector, warning that the industry must improve its performance to compete effectively at both national and regional levels.
Speaking during the National Construction Day commemorations in Lilongwe, CIRA Chief Executive Officer Engineer Gerald Khonje said although the country has made notable progress in infrastructure development, several long-standing bottlenecks continue to undermine the sector’s growth.
Khonje cited poor project preparation and planning, inadequate maintenance of completed infrastructure, skills shortages, low adoption of modern construction technologies, and limited investment in research and development as key issues requiring immediate attention.
He said the industry should now shift its focus from the number of projects undertaken to the quality of their implementation and long-term management.
“The future will not be defined by the number of projects we start, but by how effectively we execute and manage them,” Khonje said.
Guest of Honour and Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the construction industry, describing infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth and employment.
Mhango stressed the importance of investing in human capital to improve productivity and innovation, while urging industry players to uphold safety, fairness, and dignity for workers as construction activities expand.
The event also showcased innovation in affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity’s Timange Eco Build social enterprise.
Habitat for Humanity Programmes Director Mavuto Kholowa said the initiative is producing affordable, environmentally friendly building materials using stabilized soil blocks and interlocking stabilized soil blocks in seven districts.
He said the organisation has established a production plant in Blantyre and plans to commercialise the project after the pilot phase.
“These materials are not only eco-friendly but are significantly more affordable than traditional burnt bricks or cement blocks,” Kholowa said.
This year’s National Construction Day was held under the theme: “People, Quality, and Innovation: Building a Legacy.”
