Thabwa Residents Upset Over Delay In Bus Depot Construction
Communities worry over delay in K25m bus depot completion, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Chikwawa, Malawi -- Communities around Thabwa Trading Centre in Chikwawa have expressed worry over the prolonged delay in the completion of a K25 million bus depot, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
The construction of the bus depot, which started in 2017, has been stalled for six years. The delay has forced vendors to ply their businesses along the M1 road, close to the Thabwa roadblock.
"It is sad to see that vendors are operating their businesses along the M1 road, which puts their lives at risk of road accidents," said Verena Mailosi, a resident of Thabwa Trading Centre.
Mailosi also lamented that the current business area is too small and vendors always struggle for customers.
The Chairperson of Chikwawa District Council Khofati Malunga confirmed the delay in the completion of the bus depot.
He said the contractor, who he did not name, is demanding additional funds.
"The council used K25 million kwacha from the District Development Fund (DDF) to start the construction of the bus depot," said Malunga.
"However, the contractor is demanding for additional funds, which the council is currently discussing."
Malunga said the council will soon hold a meeting to discuss the issue and decide on the way forward.
The delay in the completion of the bus depot has inconvenienced both vendors and travellers.
Vendors are forced to operate their businesses in a dangerous environment, while travellers have to contend with traffic congestion caused by vendors plying their businesses along the M1 road.
The council is urged to expedite the construction of the bus depot to address the challenges being faced by vendors and travellers.