Malawi to bring in new contractors for delayed Chitipa-Ilomba road
The government recently revised the contract price from about K34.5 billion to approximately K72 billion.
CHITIPA, Malawi— The Malawi government plans to bring in additional contractors to complete the Chitipa-Ilomba road project, which is currently only 13% finished, officials said Wednesday, writes Patricia Kayuni.
Minister of Transport Jacob Hara announced the decision after touring the 30-kilometer road site.
He expressed disappointment with the progress made by local contractors.
"We are very disappointed with the work, especially on the first and second sections, hence the decision to bring in big contractors who have higher efficiency as well as capacity," Hara said.
The government aims to complete half of the road by the end of this year.
The project, vital for business and international relations, serves as a gateway to the Great Lakes region.
Senior Chief Mwaulambia echoed the government's disappointment, emphasizing the road's importance to the country.
Seven local contractors are currently working on the project in three sections.
The government recently revised the contract price from about K34.5 billion to approximately K72 billion.
Hara did not specify which new contractors would be brought in or how they would work alongside the existing local firms.
The Chitipa-Ilomba road project has faced delays and cost overruns, prompting the government's intervention to ensure its timely completion.