By Elywin Chighali Mhango
The Ministry of Education has announced the termination of contracts with 51 construction contractors due to consistent non-compliance with established construction standards and failure to meet deadlines. This decisive decision, confirmed by Secretary for Education, Associate Prof. Mangani Chilala Katundu, reflects the ministry’s commitment to improving the educational infrastructure in Malawi, which has been adversely affected by these contractors’ shortcomings.
In a statement made on Monday, Katundu highlighted the detrimental effects of these delays and substandard work on the nation’s education sector. “The ministry observes that these delays and substandard works have negatively impacted the country’s education sector, particularly affecting classroom blocks, residences, laboratories, and other essential facilities,” he said. He emphasized that the subpar construction has hindered educational progress and exacerbated existing infrastructure shortages, thereby compromising students’ learning environments and academic achievements.
The Ministry of Education’s move to terminate these contracts is part of a broader initiative to address the systemic challenges facing the sector. Currently, the ministry is spearheading several reform programs, including the Equity in Quality and Learning in Secondary Education Project (EQUALS) and the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP). These initiatives aim to enhance the quality of education across the country.
Katundu reiterated the ministry’s dedication to ensuring quality education through better oversight and enforcement of construction contracts. “We will maintain our commitment to quality education, strengthening oversight and enforcement to provide students with conducive learning environments,” he stated. He also urged local contractors to adhere to the required standards and work diligently to prevent similar issues in the future.
The Ministry of Education’s stringent measures underscore its resolve to foster a more effective educational framework in Malawi, ultimately supporting the country’s sustainable development goals.
