Road Construction Industry vs Environmental Performance in Malawi

Rodrick Lengama Chilipunde, Samuel Kadangwe 
(The Polytechnic, University of Malawi, P/Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi)

Abstract: Malawi as a land locked country depends on the road and rail networks for its freight and passenger traffic. Therefore, the development of road infrastructure is regarded as critical and an accelerator of economic growth. However, such development poses threats of environmental degradation. The study addresses the influence of road construction on the environment in Malawi. A survey of contractors in the road sector shows that while most of the local contractors are not familiar with environmental laws and guidelines set by the government and international standards bodies, they are aware of the Roads Authority guidelines. The result is a high level of non-compliance, which they attribute to lack of financial resources, training, and well trained environmental officers, and institutional support. Road-works contractors also attribute this situation to structural factors such as procurement of works, which do not take into consideration costs of environmental mitigation measures. The study recommends that government should review the current legislation, conduct regular training and periodic environmental audits, introduce environmental assessment on all projects, establish key environmental performance indicators, and apply stiff penalties for non-compliance. The study results point to significant consequences of failure to address environmental issues, including the continued destruction of the environment and subsequent acceleration of global warming.

Key words: Malawi, environment, performance, road construction