Chakwera Names Lilongwe Six Lane Road ‘Chilima Highway’
Published on June 10, 2025 at 2:36 PM by Evance Kapito
President Lazarus Chakwera has declared that the six-lane road in Malawi’s capital city, Lilongwe, will now be named Chilima Highway, in honour of the late Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima.
Chakwera made the announcement today during a memorial ceremony held in remembrance of the nine individuals who tragically lost their lives in a military plane crash at Nthungwa Hills in Nkhata Bay District on June 10, 2024.
In his address, President Chakwera described the crash as “the most devastating, heartbreaking and unforgettable event” in recent Malawian history.
“Chilima was the most senior person among them all. As such, he deserves special recognition. The six-lane road in Lilongwe will be called Chilima Highway,” said Chakwera.
He added that more steps will soon be taken in line with recommendations from Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU), which investigated the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Chakwera also emphasized the importance of unity, urging Malawians to comfort one another and to avoid politicizing the tragedy.
“We must pray for one another, because our time will come as well. Each person who died deserves respect — no one should be ridiculed.”
He further revealed that all bereaved families were invited to the national memorial and instructed the Secretary to the President and Cabinet to look into their needs and challenges.
Speaking during the same event, Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, announced that the government is also establishing a national memorial site in honour of Chilima and the eight others who perished in the crash.
He said the site will serve as a reminder of the tragedy and as a commitment to safety and remembrance.
“We have been preparing for this memorial for nearly four months,” said Chimwendo Banda.
