Dyke construction faces challenges

Construction of the seven-kilometre dyke along North Rukuru River in Karonga is facing a setback following the refusal by 15 households to relocate to pave the way for construction works.

The households from group village head Zindi in Paramount Chief Kyungu in the district are demanding compensation before they can relocate.

The revelations came to light on Sunday when Minister of Lands Kezzie Msukwa made a suprise visit to the construction site to appreciate the progress of the project expected to be completed next month.

The minister urged the households to relocate for the project to finish on time.

In an interview on the sidelines of the tour, Msukwa refused to give more details on the development, saying he will take up the issue with relevant authorities.

But last year, Paramount Chief Kyungu warned traditional leaders along the dyke’s designated path to tell their subjects to relocate.

He also told the people not to expect compensation from government.

“I have not heard the reports. However, if it is true that some people are refusing to relocate, they will face the law because the dyke will save peoples’ lives and property,” said Kyungu.

However, the contractor, Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Engineering Battalion, told the minister that they were making progress.

MDF’s Colonel Pethius Mdoka said the majority moved away voluntarily to pave the way for construction works.

The Malawi Government is funding the project to the tune of K140 million.

Last year, 10 000 households were affected by floods in the district.