Malawi government with financial and technical support from World Bank has launched the National Transport Master Plan (NMTP) which will focus on improving all transport networks including roads, railways, inland water and civil aviation.

Speaking at the launch of the master plan at Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe Thursday, President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika described transport infrastructure as a reference point in the bid to develop Malawi.

“Transport infrastructure is a priority benchmark for developing this country,” Mutharika said.

He also appealed for combined efforts from all Malawians in implementing development initiatives for the good of the nation.

“Let me urge all Malawians, for once let us work together and get rid of the negative mentality.”

“This sizitheka sizitheka mentality is bringing this country down, let us move on,” Mutharika emphasized.

On his part, Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango revealed that this is the first time for Malawi to have a 20-year plan aimed at boosting the transport sector.

The National Transport Master Plan will run from 2017 to 2037, and it is expected to cost about $9.1 billion.