Paramount Chief Kyungu of Chitipa and Karonga has put government on notice over the deteriorating condition of the Chiweta–Karonga stretch of the M1 road, warning that continued delays in rehabilitation could provoke strong action from affected communities.

Kyungu delivered the warning on Thursday at Karonga Museum Amphitheatre during a meeting between Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango, Roads Authority officials, and the Karonga District Chiefs’ Council.

The meeting was convened to provide an update on government plans regarding the 105-kilometre road section, which the traditional leader described as a “death trap” requiring urgent intervention.

“Honourable Minister, talking has been done for quite a long time, now we need action and no more rhetoric. Construction of the road should begin from Karonga to Chiweta,” said Kyungu.

He stressed that government must take full responsibility for delivering on its commitments, noting that the poor state of the road continues to disrupt transport, trade and daily life for communities along the route.

“The ball is in your court to deliver. Time is now, because even President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika tasked you with the responsibility to make bad roads passable,” he said.

Kyungu warned that if no tangible progress is made before the end of the year, chiefs and their subjects would not be held responsible for any actions taken out of frustration.

“If nothing is done before the end of this year, then don’t blame the chiefs and their subjects. This is the time to build together for the sake of the nation,” he warned.

He, however, emphasized that traditional leaders’ advocacy efforts remain peaceful and orderly, urging against the politicisation of development concerns.

“Fix the road or you will hear from us,” he added.

In response, Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango said rehabilitation of the Karonga–Chiweta stretch of the M1 road is a non-negotiable priority due to its economic importance to the country.

Mhango said government has already secured funding for the project and that the Roads Authority has advertised for contractors, with works expected to commence within two months once procurement processes are completed.

“Government has already sourced funds for the road. The RA has already placed adverts to source contractors and, all things being equal, within two months the contractor will be on site,” he said.

He further cautioned against lawlessness, saying security agencies have been instructed to maintain order during any public engagements or demonstrations linked to development grievances.

“The police have been urged to claim their space. Nobody should hide in the name of democratic rights to hold destructive demonstrations,” said Mhango.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) is expected to hold demonstrations over the poor state of the same road, adding further pressure on government to speed up rehabilitation works.