Dilapidated bridge scares communities

Communities in Senior Chief Liwonde in Machinga have appealed to duty-bearers in the district to rehabilitate Namisangu Bridge to ease mobility in the area.

Speaking in an interview on Friday, Liwonde Area Development Committee chairperson Clement Samuel said the bridge has turned into a death trap.   

He said: “The situation has affected at least 10 000 people from group village head Thundu who struggle to reach other communities to access social amenities.

“The 15-metre bridge, constructed in 1997, connected people from six group village heads in the area to Mangochi, Liwonde Town and Mangamba Trading Centre where there are hospitals, markets, schools, a police unit and an Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation depot.”

He said during the rainy season, community members use a temporary bridge to cross the river.

Mbonechela Ward councillor Demister Makunganya said children do not go to school when it rains.

Machinga District Council chairperson Richard Matenje acknowledged the problem and said they engaged relevant authorities to address it immediately.

“We have consulted Roads Authority about the dilapidated bridge and they promised to fix it once they finalise reconstructing another bridge in the same area,” he said.

Matenje, however, said the council is monitoring the situation and advised the communities to avoid crossing the river when it is raining.

Last year, two people who were coming from a health centre were washed away when they tried to cross the river during the rainy season.

This year, well-wishers rescued seven people who were on the verge of drowning after attempting to cross the river.