New Road Brings Hope to Lilongwe Business Owners
The project is being funded by the Roads Fund Administration to the tune of K3.5 billion.
LILONGWE, Malawi - Business operators around Area 49 – New Shire have expressed excitement over the road construction passing through their area, writes Brenard Mwanza.
"Sometimes you would want to pick up a customer from his or her house but we could delay because of the poor road with potholes," said Lyson Chikako, a motorcycle taxi operator.
Chikako said this was challenging to the business as they could lose customers due to the road condition.
Brenda Kawawu, a hair dresser and liquor shop owner, echoed these sentiments saying people were using other roads when trying to access services, which disadvantaged them.
"I'm hopeful that my life will change as the business will be running smoothly," said Kawuwa.
In an interview, Member of Parliament for the area Alfred Jiya said the current progress of the project is commendable as people have already started using part of the road.
"The road has been bumpy and the condition was so bad in each and every rainy season. Even flooding has been one of the main challenges in New Shire due to poor drainage system but now after the project is done it will go a long way in addressing such challenges," he added.
The four km road is in two categories with road 1 already completed and now works are in progress for the road 2 side which will connect the Kaunda road at New Gulliver depot.
Meanwhile, the legislator has applauded the project saying it will also improve sanitation as some old pipes of the sewer system have already been replaced.
The project is being funded by the Roads Fund Administration to the tune of K3.5 billion.
"New road brings hope for better business," said Kawuwa.