People decry cracks on bridge
People of Senior Chief Kilupula in Karonga North have bemoaned cracks on the yet-to-be completed Changwina Bridge Project.
The development comes barely two weeks after Kyungu Bridge collapsed in the same area following heavy rains. Three people died in separate incidents after two cars plunged into the river.
Speaking on Saturday when Karonga North legislator Mungasulwa Mwambande (Democratic Progressive Party-DPP) supported 600 people displaced with floods in the area, group village head Katumbi said the development was a threat to motorists and pedestrians.
She blamed Roads Authority (RA) for not taking her advice on the type of sand to use for the construction works.
“I advised the contractor where to get sand for the bridge to be strong because it lies across the confluence of Changwina and Mikule rivers where the current is strong,” said Katumbi.
On his part, Mwambande said the ‘substandard’ work was a waste of taxpayers’ money and an insult to the community.
He said: “We are not pleased with the shoddy work. There is no way a new bridge can develop huge cracks before completion.
“Let RA act swiftly before we lose lives.”
However, RA spokesperson Portia Kajanga blamed the damage on the heavy rains that fell in the area last week.
She was optimistic that the contractor will fast track negotiations with his insurance company to assess the damaged part and rework on it.
In a separate interview, Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works Nancy Chaola M’dooko said they will assess the situation.
