Project Overview

Since Spring 2015, the Malawi Structures Project has partnered with the Chilaweni community to address this challenge. We are currently designing a 50-foot reinforced concrete vehicular bridge across the Mphati River to provide safe, year-round access to essential services. Implementation is planned for Summer 2026. The project is fully student-led, organized into five specialized teams: Design, Construction, Education, Fundraising, and Grants & Outreach.

About the Community

Chilaweni, a rural community of 25,000 people in the Blantyre District of Malawi, faces severe flooding during the six-month monsoon season. These rains cut off access to schools, healthcare, and economic opportunities, highlighting the urgent need for resilient infrastructure.

Semester Goals

Resolve all design review comments and obtain final design approval
Secure $40,000 in funding for Phase 1 construction
Select and contract a qualified local contractor
Finalize all preparations for June 2027 Phase 1 implementation

Fundraising

Our team raises 100% of the funds needed for project implementation. We combine grassroots efforts in the Urbana-Champaign community with corporate sponsorships and organizational partnerships. These efforts sustain the project financially while building a network of supporters committed to resilient infrastructure in Malawi. Support us here.

Design

We conduct hydrologic, hydraulic, geotechnical, and structural calculations to guide every stage of design, from watershed modeling to foundation stability and load analysis. Drafting, grading, and site layouts are completed to professional engineering standards. Our student team uses ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Excel, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, SAP2000, and QGIS. Final designs are reviewed by licensed engineers for safety and code compliance.

Construction

Once designs are finalized, our team prepares a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a qualified local contractor. We lead cost estimating, scheduling, and logistics planning, while coordinating with community partners. During construction, students provide project management and oversight to ensure the bridge is delivered safely, efficiently, and to professional standards.

Education

Our Education Team connects technical work with community impact. They work with non-English-speaking residents, collaborate with local NGOs in Malawi, and lead public outreach and marketing. Their efforts ensure the project is accessible, supported, and aligned with community needs.

Partnerships

Our project is strengthened through collaboration with in-country partners, including the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences and the non-profit Joshua Orphan and Community Care (JOCC). These partnerships help us stay connected with the community and integrate local expertise throughout the project.

Travel

Our project has been shaped by direct engagement with the Chilaweni community through in-person and remote trips. These assessments allow us to collect technical data, meet with stakeholders, and ensure our design reflects local needs.

2016 – In-person assessment trip
2017 – In-person assessment trip
2022 – Remote assessment trip (due to travel restrictions)
2024 – In-person assessment trip
2026 – Planned implementation trip

Leadership

Learn about the talented team that helps manage our organization and ensures that our projects run smoothly!