Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works Nancy Chaola Mdooko has ordered Roads Authority (RA) to install a road sign ahead of Lingadzi Bridge across the M1 in Lilongwe to reduce road accidents.
The order comes after a truck on Friday plunged into Lingadzi River, making it the fourth accident on the same spot within three months.
The deputy minister said a road sign will warn motorists travelling from the Area 18 Traffic Interchange on Kamuzu Procession Road not to proceed on the left lane because the bridge does not extend on that side.
to remove the truck from under the bridge
Speaking when she visited the accident scene, Mdooko asked RA to install the sign or some barriers within 24 hours.
“They have assured us that there will be a barrier ahead of the bridge. So, let us wait and see,” she said.
In his response, RA chief executive officer Engineer Emmanuel Matapa said the authority was already in touch with the contractor, who worked on the road, Mota-Engil, to mount a barrier at the said point.
“It is less than one year since the road was opened and that means the warranty we signed with the contractor still stands so the contractor will do that work since its part of the contract,” he said.
Matapa also said the authority will discuss with Lilongwe City Council to speed up installation of street lights to improve visibility at night.
Mike Alikanjelo, one of the residents, echoed Mdooko’s sentiments for a road sign or barrier to protect motorists on the road.
Meanwhile, Lingadzi Police Station spokesperson Salome Zgambo said they are waiting for an evaluation by the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services to establish the cause of the accident.
