By Arnold Namanja

Blantyre, August 18, Mana: Blantyre City Council (BCC) disclosed that it has pumped in over K14 billion towards construction of roads to decongest traffic volume in the commercial city.

The roads which include the two kilometres (km) Chiwembe – Newlands – Manje at the cost of K1.8 billion, the 5km Makhetha – Ndirande to the tune of K3.3 billion and the 1.2km stretch from Chipatala to Kamba Market have constructed with support from the Roads Fund Administration and the Malawi Government.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), BCC, Director of Engineering Services, Chimwemwe Mndelemani said the local authority embarked on the road infrastructure improvement programme to keep in tune with the Malawi 2063 Agenda, adding that the transport sector is one of the key priority areas in the agenda.

“We secured funds from the Roads Fund Administration and the Treasury for the road projects. We would like to complement government in fulfilling its Malawi 2063 Agenda. But most importantly, we want to ensure a seamless flow of traffic in the city by decongesting some of the major roads,” Mndelemani said.

Mndelemani added that most of the roads under construction in the city will be opened to traffic by September this year, noting that completion of Makhetha – Ndirande Road has delayed due to some logistical issues.

“The Makhetha Road has delayed more than the rest because we had some issues with the community which meant we had to start the project seven months later than scheduled; but we are optimistic to complete on time,” he said.

The director said fuel shortage and economic issues were set back in the implementation of the road project at Makhetha.

“Fuel shortage and inflation in the course of the project implementation also affected most of the contractors and as a result that has had an impact on the delivery of the projects,” he added.

Mndelemani added that all the contractors have been instructed to install solar street streets to add to the beauty of the city as well as enhance city’s security. 

He said upon completing the six roads, the council will then embark on nine new projects within the 2023- 2024 national budget.

Some of the contractors entrusted with the work are CAS Civil Engineering for Namiwawa _ Sunnyside Road, Top Range Contractor was building the Lali-Lubani – Kenyatta Drive Road while Dika was awarded the Makhetha – Ndirande Road, among others.         

One of the motorists, Yamikani Chinomba of Makhetha Township expressed happiness with the new roads being constructed in the city, saying the roads will help in decongesting the volume of traffic in busiest roads of the roads especially during peak hours of the day.

“Blantyre City Council should be commended for the road projects spread across the city. It will go a long way in easing traffic and travelling from home to town will be much faster and easier,” he said. “In fact, the roads, clearly marked, will add beauty to the city.”