Works on Mzimba bridge stall
The K400 million project to erect a reinforced concrete bridge across Mnjiri River on the M9 Road in Mzimba have stalled, rendering road users helpless.
The bridge lies on the road from Mzimba Boma to Embangweni, Edingeni, Manyamula and Madede in the district.
While construction of the 32-metre double span reinforced concrete bridge was launched on August 29 2018 by Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango and was scheduled to be completed on February 25 2019, to date there are no construction works at the site.
In an interview on Tuesday, Mhango said the construction works have stalled because of the rainy season.
He said the contractor has asked for an extension.
“The contractor is experiencing some challenges in constructing the bridge with the ongoing rains,” said the minister.
Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V is on record as having asked government in January last year to construct the bridge which he described as life-threatening.
When completed, the bridge will facilitate easy movement of goods from Edingeni, Engalaweni, Manyamula and other areas across the river to the main market at Mzimba Boma.
It is also expected to ease movement of communities across the river to Mzimba District Hospital.
