Karonga communities want bridge project completed

Communities in Karonga District want construction of Kalembo Bridge completed before the onset of the rainy season.

The bridge, which was washed away by floods in March this year, connects Mwenipela  to Kalembo in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mwakaboko  in Karonga North.

Pacharo Munthali from Mwenipela Village said mobility to Kalembo, where most social facilities are found, is difficult.

“Children are forced to go to Ithendi Primary School which is far as they cannot cross the river to Kalembo. “Likewise patients from Katininda Village walk long distances to Iponga Health Centre,” he said.

Kalembo Village Development Committee chairperson Given Mhango said community members are giving the contractor the needed support.

“Our income generating activities have slowed down because buyers cannot come,” he said.

Karonga North legislator Mungasulwa Mwambande, who is also Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, visited the project’s site on Sunday and has since told the contractor to hasten up the work.

“The damage has affected villagers. So, the earlier the project is finished, the better,” he said. The contractor’s supervisor Charles Chaula said construction works will be finished by end of November, all factors being equal.