ABSTRACT
Road infrastructure has become a popular transportation infrastructure worldwide because it connects most parts of the world. Regardless of its importance, road maintenance has been neglected. Therefore, this study aims to unravel the importance of proactive maintenance over reactive maintenance of roads. This study adopted a quantitative approach whereby data were collected through an observation checklist which was done on 31 recently maintained and upgraded Blantyre City's roads. The study reveals that the reactive maintenance adoption in most parts of Malawi has worsened urban road stock condition which requires a quick response and this has adversely affected the country's economy. Hence, requires the adoption of proactive maintenance to boost the declining economy. Therefore, this study provides useful practical and policy insights into the factors that lead to the deferring of maintenance other than budget constraints and competing demands because it is a common problem in both developed and developing countries.
