Former Presidents Bakili Muluzi, Joyce Banda, and Peter Mutharika have commended President Lazarus Chakwera for his decision to name several key national infrastructure projects after them, describing the move as a significant recognition of their past contributions to the country's development.

The presidential directive, announced by the Office of the President and Cabinet, will see the Area 18 cloverleaf interchange in Lilongwe renamed the Arthur Peter Mutharika Interchange, the Lilongwe West By-Pass become the Joyce Banda Highway, and the Chileka International Airport in Blantyre designated the Bakili Muluzi International Airport.

According to a letter from the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, the decision was made in recognition of the "great work" the three former leaders did for Malawi.

In response to the announcement, Shadreck Namalomba, spokesperson for Peter Mutharika, stated that the former president welcomed the gesture. 

However, he noted that Mutharika has left it to Malawians to judge whether the move carries any political undertones.

“The Interchange project was completed five years ago. While we appreciate that it has been named after Mr. Mutharika, we in the DPP wonder why it took this long,” said Namalomba before adding, “Perhaps this is finally an acknowledgment of the development Mutharika brought, which will be further recognized on September 17th.”

On the other hand, former President Bakili Muluzi emphasized the importance of acknowledging people's efforts during their lifetime. 

“It is very important to appreciate a person while they are still alive, and I am happy to be recognized while I am still here,” Muluzi stated.

Anord Mlelemba, spokesperson for Joyce Banda, also commented, saying that naming the Lilongwe Western By-Pass after Banda is a clear acknowledgment of her administration's role in initiating the project.

“Let us not forget that the Lilongwe Western By-Pass was constructed by former President Joyce Banda. We don’t take this as a political move, we are grateful that President Chakwera has recognized the commendable work that the former president did,” Mlelemba said.

The move is seen by many as a rare gesture of national unity and a nod to the continuum of governance, though it remains to be seen whether this acknowledgment of past administrations will translate into a less contentious political landscape.

The gesture follows a recent move where President Chakwera also named a road in the capital after his late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima.