MP Urges Speedy Completion of Kaning’a Bridge for Enhanced Development in Salima North West
His plea comes as part of a broader effort to enhance road infrastructure within Traditional Authority Khombedza.
Salima, Malawi - Enock Phale, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Salima North West, has called upon the Roads Authority to expedite the construction of the Kaning’a Bridge before the rainy season arrives, writes Alinafe Nyanda.
His plea comes as part of a broader effort to enhance road infrastructure within Traditional Authority Khombedza.
Phale emphasized that the timely completion of the Kaning’a Bridge, which connects Kanyenyeva to Kaniche through the Chitala road, is crucial for driving development in his constituency.
Additionally, it will promote trade in the region, particularly for those engaged in cash crop farming.
"The authority must ensure that work on this project progresses swiftly to provide easy access for the people. Communities have long been advocating for road improvements," Phale stated.
He added that as MPs, their role is to report and request immediate attention to road projects, secure funding, and award contracts for their construction.
A well-functioning Kaning’a Bridge will motivate community members to attend school, access healthcare facilities, and boost trade among local farmers.
Portia Kajanga, the spokesperson for the Roads Authority, confirmed in an interview that work to upgrade the bridge would commence before the rainy season.
She mentioned that they were currently awaiting approval from the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority for the vetting process.
Kajanga further assured the public that the Roads Authority was dedicated to replacing the deteriorating bridge with a new one and would ensure that rehabilitation projects would be completed in line with the government's agenda to improve the country's road infrastructure.
"I can confirm that we are responsible for constructing the road from Kanyenyeva to Kaniche via Chitala, and we are working on the Kaning’a bridge. We have advertised for contractors to express interest in constructing the bridge, received tenders, and submitted them to PPDA. The vetting process at PPDA takes some time because it involves engaging the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), the government contracting unit, the Solicitor General, and OPC," Kajanga explained.
She concluded by assuring the communities in Traditional Authority Khombedza that the rehabilitation of the Kaning’a Bridge would be completed before the rainy season, in line with other ongoing road projects across the country.