Concerned citizens from traditional authorities (T/As) M’Mbelwa, Chindi and Mpherembe in Mzimba District have petitioned government to fix main roads in their areas to ease mobility challenges.
Speaking after delivering the petition on Wednesday to Mzimba district commissioner Rodgers Newa, the group’s chairperson Edson Mwira said the roads in question include the Embangweni-Edingeni-Mzimba Boma Road and Mzimba Boma-Euthini-Mpherembe Road.
to Newa. I Elton Mhango
He said: “These roads are in a dilapidated condition and are a nightmare to us because it is hard to reach Mzimba Boma.
“Even farmers are crying because it is difficult for them to transport agricultural produce to Mzimba Boma or Mzuzu City. It is also difficult for buyers to travel to Euthini and Mpherembe to buy produce.”
Mwira said they expect government to listen to their demands because the road issues are overdue in Mzimba District.
On his part, Newa said he appreciates the gesture shown by the citizens to engage his office because he is aware and also concerned about the conditions of the said roads.
He said it is for the same reason that the council has obtained a loan of K630 million to buy a grader for ehabilitation of roads in the district.
“The concerns about the roads are genuine. For the roads under the council, we will try our best to rehabilitate them because our grader is coming soon. For those that belong to central government, I will present the demands to relevant authorities,” said Newa.
He said government has moved to complete the stalled stretch of Embangweni-Edingeni Road which connects to Mzimba Boma as the contractor is mobilising equipment.
Mzimba Heritage Association general secretary Kingsley Jere said he was happy that citizens are demanding action on things that affect them.
Minister of Transport and Public Works Jacob Hara has from time to time said government is committed to complete road projects in the district.
