Bridge construction starts to improve Shire Valley roads
Minister Mia, who is also the Water and Sanitation Minister, expressed her satisfaction with the progress of the construction works.
CHIKWAWA Malawi - The construction works of a bridge at Namikalango seasonal river in the Chikwawa Nkombezi district have commenced, according to Members of Parliament Abida Sidik Mia, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to alleviate the road network challenges in the Shire Valley.
Minister Mia, who is also the Water and Sanitation Minister, expressed her satisfaction with the progress of the construction works.
She highlighted the significant problem that arose when the previous bridge was washed away, making it difficult to connect the districts of Chikwawa and Nsanje.
"The contractor is on the ground, and construction works are in progress," Mia said. "This bridge will ease movement in the Shire Valley, which has been a great problem since part of the bridge was carried away."
Mia commended the government for promptly sending the contractor to Miseu Folo to initiate the construction work.
The impact of the seasonal stream on the local community has been devastating, with hundreds of people left destitute due to the destruction of houses and crops.
Stanford Juma, a resident of Miseu Folo, explained the difficulties faced by the community. "It was impassable between Nchalo and Ngabu in Chikwawa as passengers to and from the two points were exchanging minibuses on either side," Juma said.
"People had no option but to be carried on their backs to cross the place."
Happy Samson, another resident, highlighted the additional burden placed on passengers wanting to cross the area.
He alleged that charges for being carried across the river varied between K500 and K1500, depending on the time of day.
While acknowledging the progress made, Samson urged the contractor to expedite the construction work, emphasising the approaching rainy season.
Portia Kajanga, the spokesperson for the National Roads Authority (NRA), confirmed that the contractor, Mkaka Construction, is currently on-site and the works are progressing according to plan.
The construction of the bridge at the Namikalango seasonal river is expected to significantly improve transportation in the Shire Valley, providing a vital link between the districts of Chikwawa and Nsanje.