Minister of Transport and Public Works Mohammed Sidik Mia’s visit to construction sites and ports in the North has breathed a new lease of life to the completion of the projects, according to the communities.
The minister visited Njakwa-Livingstonia Road, among others, where works are at about 50 percent.
Mhuju resident Janet Mkandawire, who lives along the road project site, said she was delighted that the minister inspected progress.
“His visit tells us that the project will surely complete,” she said.
The Njakwa-Mhuju-Livingstonia Road cuts through the most fertile lands and opens up a big advantage for investors in tourism and mining sectors, among others.
Briefing journalists after the tour, Mia said: “I am happy to see that the contractor, Mota-Engil, is still on site despite delays in funding. We have started clearing off arrears owed to most of the contractors.”
He said government will make finances available to enable the contractor finishes the road within 12 months.
On the stretch between Bolero and Hewe Turn-off, Mia said government will mobilise resources to enable Mota-Engil finalise the stretch as the road benefits communities, investors and businesses along the mineral rich escarpment.
The minister said Mota Engil was awarded only 20 kilometres of the 241-kilometre road that passes through Nyika National Park to Chitipa. However, he said the new administration would like to see the whole stretch done within the coming few years
