Vice-President Saulos Chilima has commended Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (Cdedi) for its efforts to ensure rehabilitation of the Muloza-Mulanje Drift-Sukasanje-Chiringa Road that links Phalombe and Mulanje districts.
In a written response to a letter Cdedi wrote seeking his intervention, Chilima, through Principal Secretary in the Office of the Vice-President Luckie Sikwese, acknowledged receipt andsaid it was critical to ensure the road and related infrastructure are in good condition to allow for all-year-round movement of people and goods.
Reads the letter: “In view of the matters raised, including the procurement of a contractor to construct the road, the Vice-President will revert back to you through the Ministry of Transport and Public Works.”
In the letter dated September 20 2023, Sikwese further said Cdedi’s request for the Vice-President to conduct another inspection was noted.
Cdedi wrote the Vice-President on September 15 this year expressing worry over the neglected state of the road, and further urged him to use his executive powers to ensure completion of the works.
Chilima announced the termination of the contract with M.A. Kharifa and Sons when he toured the road in 2020, where he assured Malawians that a new contractor would be identified to complete the project.
In an interview yesterday, Namiwa acknowledged the swift response from the Office of the Vice-President, but insisted that “what matters is action on the issues raised”.
He said: “Should the rains start, the area will be disconnected, making the communities fail to access food, healthcare services and agricultural implements.”
The road is currently impassable after it was damaged by the devastating impact of Cyclone Freddy early this year.
