Minister of Transport and Public Works Jacob Hara has unveiled a contractor to carry out remedial rehabilitation works on the Chiweta-Karonga Road.
He has since urged the contractor to reduce the contractual period from nine to six months to ease mobility challenges.
In an interview after appreciating how cargo and passenger commuters are struggling to navigate around potholes on the road, Hara assured of government’s commitment to rehabilitate the road.
He said the road’s economic contribution to the country cannot be overemphasised.
Said Hara: “The road’s condition is bad because we have not been able to carry out periodic maintenance for 25 years.
“However, we brought good news today to the people of Rumphi, Karonga and Chitipa as well as road users that we are pushing in multiple contractors to expedite the remedial maintenance works to make the road passable.”
Karonga South legislator Uchizi Mkandawire (Malawi Congress Party) commended government for the initiative.
He said: “This is a northern corridor road used for cargo and fuel importation. However, it has been in bad shape for some time and I have cried for rehabilitation works on the road.
“Therefore, I commend government for the good news brought by the minister who has unveiled one of the contractors.”
One of the drivers, Simon Sikumbawa, urged government to pay the contractor on time to enable him start working right away.
“Although government has delayed to repair the road, we are pleased with the move,” he said.
Roads Authority regional manager (North) Fletcher Mkandawire said his institution has engaged SOS Construction to seal the potholes
