By Denis Mzembe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Central Materials Laboratory (CML) has received state-of-the-art testing equipment, courtesy of the African Development Bank (AfDB), in a significant boost to Malawi’s road infrastructure quality assurance systems.
The newly acquired equipment will be used for testing road construction materials, particularly asphalt and bitumen used in the surfacing (wearing course) layer of pavement structures, which plays a critical role in durability, safety, and ride quality.
The consignment forms part of AfDB-funded road projects, including the reconstruction of the Kaphatenga–Nkhotakota–Dwangwa Road and the Nsipe–Liwonde Road.
Speaking in an interview, Chief Materials Engineer Eng. Precious Kamndaya said the equipment has been procured for the bitumen and asphalt section, one of several specialised technical units within CML.
“We have multiple technical sections within the laboratory, including asphalt and bitumen, geotechnical (foundations), concrete, soils and compaction, and materials engineering sections.
“This equipment strengthens our capacity in the surfacing layer, which is critical for overall pavement performance,” he explained.
Eng. Kamndaya described the investment as a major step in strengthening quality control systems for road infrastructure in Malawi.
“With this modern equipment, we are now able to carry out more accurate, reliable, and advanced testing of asphalt and bitumen. For the public, this translates into better quality roads, longer-lasting infrastructure, and improved value for money in public investments,” he said.
He noted that while CML has been operating with older equipment, much of it is nearing obsolescence, making the upgrade both timely and necessary, especially in the context of increasing climate-related stresses on infrastructure.
“Climate variability is placing additional demands on road materials and performance. This makes it essential to strengthen laboratory testing capacity to ensure materials meet required standards under evolving conditions,” he added.
Eng. Kamndaya further explained that additional investment is still required across other critical laboratory sections.
“We still require equipment in other sections such as geotechnical investigations for foundations, concrete testing, soils and compaction, and structural materials. These are all essential components in ensuring that infrastructure is designed and constructed based on verified engineering data,” he said.
He clarified that geotechnical investigations involve subsurface exploration based on project requirements.
“Depending on the project, investigations may require drilling to depths of around 10 metres or more, guided by engineering design needs and ground conditions. The samples collected are analysed to support safe and appropriate foundation design.”
Eng. Kamndaya emphasised that some specialised tests undertaken by CML cannot be readily outsourced to commercial laboratories due to their technical sensitivity and strategic importance.
“As a government institution under the Department of Roads in the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, CML is mandated to provide independent, reliable, and nationally consistent materials testing and advisory services.
“Some of these services are not frequently required and may not be commercially viable, but they are critical for national infrastructure development,” he said.
He added that CML’s testing services are generally more affordable compared to those offered by private laboratories.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport and Public Works has approved measures to strengthen CML’s operational capacity, including recruitment of additional personnel and specialised training to support effective utilisation of the new equipment.
The new staff will be deployed at CML Headquarters in Lilongwe and at Regional Controller’s offices in Blantyre and Mzuzu.
This investment aligns with regional and international best practices, including SADC frameworks and global standards for laboratory quality management such as ISO certification, where equipment, personnel competence, infrastructure, and testing procedures are systematically developed, documented, and continuously improved.
The development also reflects ongoing government and cooperating partner commitment to strengthening laboratory capacity, with further procurement of critical equipment under consideration for other sections.
This investment positions CML as a national reference laboratory for materials testing, quality assurance, and infrastructure resilience.
Director of Roads in the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Eng. Kelvin Mphonda, said the new equipment will significantly enhance the quality of road construction.
“CML’s capacity must continue to be strengthened, and efforts are underway to ensure that the laboratory is equipped with appropriate and modern testing facilities.
“We are also considering further procurement of equipment to support the laboratory’s critical role in infrastructure development,” said Eng. Mphonda.
