By Alinafe Kamphika
The recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Professor Peter Mutharika has renewed hope for the full completion of the long-awaited Neno Road in the 2026/2027 financial year.
The Neno Road Advocacy Group said the Presidents mention of the road as a priority project inspired optimism for improved livelihoods in the district.
Chairperson of the group, Samson Njolomole, told Malawi News Agency on Friday that residents have long been concerned about the poor condition of the road, which has hindered socio-economic development in health, agriculture, education and other sectors.
Neno produces crops such as cassava, sugarcane, tangerines, Irish potatoes and sweet potatoes. People do not benefit financially because transporting goods to Blantyre and surrounding districts becomes difficult due to poor roads, he said.
Njolomole added that completion of the road would boost economic activity, improve access to markets and enhance service delivery.
“If the road is completed, we will see economic growth, improved businesses, better education services and overall improvement in peoples wellbeing,” he said.
Senior Chief Dambe also welcomed the prospect of the roads completion, expressing optimism that improved infrastructure would enhance mobility and access to essential services.
He said the poor road network has contributed to delays in accessing medical care, especially for patients referred to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.
“We have lost people who could have survived on their way to the referral hospital due to poor roads. We are also often cut off from other districts because of the road network,” said Dambe.
He added that the mention of Neno Road in the State of the Nation Address had raised expectations of positive change among communities in the district.
Neno District, which was formerly part of Mwanza District, was declared a separate district in 2003.
