Councillor partners Total to paint pedestrian crossings

Councillor of Limbe Central Ward in Blantyre, Gerald Lipikwe, has struck a K1.5 million deal with Total Malawi to paint 13 of the 52 pedestrian crossings and brighten up some faint road markings.

The councillor, who has also secured a library for Kanjedza Primary School from the French Consul and some Scottish citizens, said he approached the energy company with the idea as a way of reducing road accidents in his area.

“Some road accidents occur because sometimes drivers do not clearly see the road markings, especially on pedestrian crossings,” he said.

“As we approach the festive season this December, we would like to ensure that all roads are properly marked and pedestrian crossings are repainted to reduce risks of accidents that are mostly rampant during this period,” said Lipikwe.

Total Malawi human resources officer Lucia Mukatipa said they decided to partner the councillor on the initiative because it was in line with the company’s corporate social responsibility road safety project.

“In fact, our main target is to ensure pedestrian crossing points around schools are visible,” she said.