Chitipa District needs bus depot

Chitipa is in need of a bus depot following the growth of business activities and proliferation of transportation companies in the district.

The absence of a designated depot  forces bus operators to scramble for space on a car park at the boma. Currently, there are four bus companies  operating from Chitipa Boma to Mzuzu and beyond.

Chitipa District Council chairperson Wedson Sinkhonde conceded that the construction of the bus depot was long overdue.

“The decision to construct the depot was hatched a long time ago, but we are failing to implement it,” he said.

The construction of Karonga to Chitipa tarmac road has boosted the cross-border trade for Malawians who are increasingly travelling to Tunduma in neighbouring Tanzania for shopping.

Chitipa District Council director of planning and development Tamanya Harawa said they do not have funds for the project.

“We are still lobbying for funds from the central government and donors. Once the resources are available, we will start the project,” he said.

Harawa said the council plans to construct the depot at the old market.

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development spokesperson Muhlabase Mughogho said the ministry through Local Development Fund has been supporting councils with funds for construction of infrastructure such as stadiums and depots.

However, she was not sure if funds for Chitipa Bus Depot were readily available.