Minister touts bridge programme

Government plans to construct over sixty bridges under a special programme which is expected to ease mobility challenges among people of various areas of the country.

Minister of transport and public works Jappie Mhango said the programme will enable people to connect from one area to the other easily.

Speaking on Wednesday during a ground breaking ceremony for construction of Mkwakwazi Bridge in Thyolo, Mhango said in the programme, government intends to construct the bridges in all regions of the country.

Said Mhango: “This project aims at easing mobility challenges among people in all corners of the country particularly in rural areas. We have been to other regions and this is the fourth phase of the programme in which we are expecting to construct more than 27 bridges.”

Mhango highlighted that such initiatives are vital in the development of the country as they necessitate economic activities by providing easy access to social-economic facilities and create job opportunities among local people.

In his remarks, sub Traditional Authority Ndalama from the district said the bridge which links his area to that of senior chief Kapichi will provide easy access to Luchenza market, health facilities and schools.

“People of this area do a lot of farming and usually take their farm products to various market places including Luchenza, however they have been having challenges to cross this river especially during rainy season and a number of people have died after being washed away while trying to cross the river.

“Children from both sides as well as pregnant mothers have been experiencing challenges getting to school and health facilities, respectively. We are glad the project has finally taken off,” he said.

The K73 million construction works at Mkwakwazi Bridge is being funded by the Malawi government through fuel levy and is expected to take 150 days.