After years of facing challenges to cross Chithumba River, Mchinji residents have hailed the construction of a bridge which has eased mobility of surrounding communities.
The river stood as a barrier between the communities and essential services available at nearby Ludzi Trading Centre.
Steven Charles, a resident of Mkoma, said the challenges they faced when crossing the river forced them to use alternative and long routes.
“Before the bridge, crossing the river was a struggle, especially during the rainy season, but now with the bridge, we can easily reach church, schools, the hospital, the market and maize mill at Ludzi,” he said.
The area’s Ward councillor Martha Dzanja said people faced challenges to cross the river since it is deep.
“The bridge is important as it has connected the villages to some important amenities. Ludzi is strategic as it provides essential services to the people, while some people Ludzi have farming fields across the river,” she said.
Mchinji District Council constructed the bridge with funds from the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (Gesd), a World Bank-funded programme.
Public works director Ellis Tembo said the council has ensured most of projects have been done.
“The council has completed most of the Gesd projects and handed them over to the public. Chithumba Bridge is one of the key achievements and people are benefiting,” he said.
Gesd, through its performance-based grants (PBG), provides councils with funds to embark on transformative projects.
The bridge cost K30 million.
