By Draxon Maloya

Lilongwe, Malawi – The government has no immediate plans to address the growing maritime transport crisis on Lake Malawi, a revelation that has sparked concern among lawmakers and residents of Likoma and Chizumulu islands.

Transport and Public Works Minister Feston Kaupa told Parliament on Friday that the government will not proceed with the purchase of MV Chilembwe, a vessel offered by Motar Engil, citing its unsuitability for passenger transport.

 “We cannot purchase it because it was not meant to carry passengers. The ship can only take on board 100 crew members and other stuff. Purchasing it is one step backward,” Kaupa said.

The minister’s remarks came in response to a question from Likoma Islands Member of Parliament, Charles Chilambula, who demanded to know what immediate measures the government was taking to address the dire transport situation on the lake.

Chilambula also queried whether the government had considered acquiring MV Chilembwe to supplement the aging MV Ilala.

Currently, residents of Likoma and surrounding districts are forced to risk their lives by boarding unlicensed wooden boats to travel over 70 kilometers—an arduous seven-hour journey across the lake—due to the absence of sustainable maritime services.

To the dismay of Chilambula and his constituents, the minister offered no timeline for the procurement of new vessels.

Instead, Kaupa disclosed that the ministry is in talks with Motar Engil to temporarily release MV Chilembwe as a relief vessel while the government pursues plans to acquire two new passenger ships modeled after Mozambique’s MV Chambo, which has a capacity of about 70 passengers.

Chilambula did not hide his frustration, stating:

 “Mr. Speaker Sir, it is worrisome to continue using the outlived MV Ilala. I suggest that MV Chilembwe should be introduced as a relief vessel.”

He further accused the government of neglecting the islanders’ plight, saying they have been “paid a deaf ear” for years, as if they “do not belong to Malawi.”

The MP also raised concerns over the stalled completion of the Likoma Jetty, revealing that only 10% of the work remains, yet the government has delayed paying the contractor the remaining K5 billion.

Minister Kaupa acknowledged the delay, confirming that only K1.8 billion has been paid so far and that his ministry is liaising with the Treasury to settle the outstanding balance.

MV Ilala remains the only operational government vessel on Lake Malawi, following the decommissioning of MV Ufulu, MV Chauncy Maples, and MV Mtendere decades ago.

In October this year, over 70 passengers were stranded in the middle of the lake for more than 24 hours after the MV Ilala developed engine problems mid-voyage.

The continued reliance on aging and inadequate maritime infrastructure has raised serious safety concerns, with calls mounting for urgent government intervention to safeguard the lives of lake travellers.