Dowa-Chezi road contractor upbeat on project deadline

The contractor working on the Dowa-Chezi Road has said a hilly terrain and heavy rains are posing a big challenge in the construction but expressed optimism of meeting the project deadline.

China-Civil Engineering expressed the commitment when it organised a media tour to show the scope of work so far undertaken.

So far, the contractor has completed four kilometres of the 14.7-kilometre road.

Addressing the media, the company’s managing director Joe Zhou said they are targeting September next year as the deadline.

 “We thank government for the support and the people around the area. We are optimistic we will finish in good time and we will give the people of Dowa a very good road,” he said.

In separate interviews, community members said they were excited with the progress of the works. The communities said they are already reaping benefits of socio-economic transformation following the opening of the completed parts of the road.

“We were facing challenges in transporting farm produce to markets, especially during the rainy season. Even going to the hospital was a nightmare, but now more minibuses are operating,” said Manakedwe Kosamu, from Imfa Yatonse Village, Traditional Authority Mkupula in Dowa.

The project will cost K3.4 billion.