Malawi Transport Minister Pledges to Complete Dedza Road Project
Local officials expect the completed road to boost various businesses in Dedza, potentially raising living standards for residents.
DEDZA, Malawi— Malawi's Minister of Transport and Public Works Jacob Hara assured residents Wednesday that construction on a key road in Dedza district will resume after delays caused by currency devaluation, writes Edward Chikwanda.
"Due to devaluation, contract prices had to change beyond the ministry's scope," Hara said during a tour of the project.
"We had to consult stakeholders like the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Ministry of Finance."
The ministry can negotiate price changes up to 15%, Hara explained, but the extensive negotiations across multiple projects led to nationwide construction delays.
"Fruitful negotiations with contractors have allowed work to resume," Hara told Africa Brief.
The road to Dedza's bus depot had deteriorated, affecting local businesses. Thoko Kambalame, a local businesswoman, welcomed the news.
"Most buses stopped using the road to the depot years ago, which hurt our business," Kambalame said.
"When the road is finished, we expect buses to return, greatly improving our daily business and living standards."
The road project is part of a broader government initiative to improve transportation across Malawi, aligning with the country's development strategy.
Local officials expect the completed road to boost various businesses in Dedza, potentially raising living standards for residents.