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RA, ministry in K700m rural roads project

 

Ministry of Transport and Public Works has reaffirmed its commitment to boost rural communities’ access to social amenities by improving public road networks in districts.

Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango made the remarks on Wednesday during the launch of construction of Mulike Bridge in Mulike Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Mkhumba in Phalombe.

The ministry and Roads Authority (RA), with funds from Fuel Levy, are implementing a K700 million project to construct bridges in rural areas.

Mhango (R) and Mpanga unveil the project

Mhango said the bridges will enhance wealth creation as people will engage in sustainable economic activities within their vicinities.

“This will open up areas to new economic opportunities and important social amenities, thereby fighting urbanisation. In case of this area, we expect a cut in cost of travelling for farmers as vehicles will directly access the area,” he said.

Phalombe South member of Parliament Mary Mpanga (Democratic Progressive Party-DPP) commended government for the initiative.

“This will serve communities in Phalombe and Mulanje. Hurdles expectant mothers face to access health services at Mpasa Health Centre will be addressed. It will also ease the mobility of Mpasa Primary School and Mpasa Community Day Secondary School learners from Kokoro Village,” she said.

In her remarks, T/A Mkhumba asked the contractor to exercise professionalism, saying the project is key to the sustainable development of the area.

The reinforced concrete bridge at Phalombe River is worth K29 million and expected to be completed on October 20 2017. n

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