Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-03-13 07:02:07
President Lazarus Chakwera recently visited the construction site of the Chitipa-Ilomba Road in Chitipa District, where he acknowledged the government’s role in the delays of the road upgrade project. The road, which connects Malawi and Tanzania, has been a point of concern for many, with some claiming that there has been no progress on the project.
During his visit, Chakwera addressed these concerns by admitting that the government has indeed contributed to the delays in the project. However, he also highlighted that there is progress being made and urged the contractors to adhere to international standards in their work. He promised to inspect the K34 billion project again in the near future to ensure that the road is being upgraded efficiently.
The Roads Authority Chief Executive Officer, engineer Ammiel Champiti, emphasized that the Chitipa-Ilomba Road has been designed to meet international standards and withstand heavy traffic. He also mentioned that the contractors have committed to expediting the work on the road, despite facing challenges such as abnormal rainfall and fuel supply shortages.
Member of Parliament for Chitipa East, Kezzie Msukwa, expressed concerns on behalf of lawmakers in the district about the slow progress of the road upgrade. He urged the government to put more pressure on the contractors to ensure that the project is completed according to plan. Msukwa emphasized the importance of the road for Chitipa and the country as a whole.
One of the contractors, Patrick Chibvundiko Gondwe, reassured President Chakwera of their commitment to speeding up the upgrading of the road. The project is divided into three lots, with different companies assigned to each lot to carry out the construction work.
The Chitipa-Ilomba Road is a crucial route for cross-border traders, as it connects them to Tunduma, a town in Tanzania. The completion of this road is essential for facilitating trade and enhancing the connectivity between Malawi and Tanzania.
In addition to inspecting the road project, President Chakwera also visited the Meru Garrison security houses in Chitipa District on the same day. His visit emphasized the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and security in the region.
Overall, President Chakwera’s acknowledgment of the government’s role in the delays of the Chitipa-Ilomba Road upgrade project, along with his commitment to ensuring the project’s completion according to international standards, highlights the government’s dedication to infrastructure development in Malawi. The road’s completion will not only benefit the local communities but also enhance trade and connectivity between Malawi and Tanzania.
Read the original article on The Times
