The Malawi Roads Authority appointed the CSIR to conduct an independent investigation into the causes of premature road surface disintegration on the M1 road between Karonga and Songwe. The asphalt surface of the 46 km road started to disintegrate shortly after construction.  

Using its expert knowledge in materials design and performance and pavement engineering, the CSIR examined the probable underlying factors causing the premature surfacing disintegration. Detailed visual assessment and field tests were conducted on the road and samples of the road materials were collected and tested at the University of Malawi Polytechnic Civil Engineering Laboratory and at the Central Materials Laboratory of the Ministry of Transport and Public Works in Malawi. Asphalt samples were also tested at the CSIR Advanced Materials Testing Laboratory. The collected data were analysed and the finding was that the main contributing factor causing the disintegration of the asphalt road surfacing was water damage.  

The CSIR recommended remedial measures, and that the Malawi Roads Authority enhance and implement quality assurance systems and use the latest materials specifications and design standards to prevent similar occurrences. 

In addition, the CSIR conducted a series of project workshops with key industry stakeholders in Malawi, with an emphasis on knowledge transfer. The training guided personnel from the road agency, the University of Malawi and the Central Materials Laboratory on advances in materials testing and all stakeholders on better methods and design standards to improve the quality of road construction and contract management.