Government launches K550m bridge construction in Mzimba

Government has launched construction of a K553.6 million Chakazi Bridge in Mzimba District after President Peter Mutharika intervened to alleviate transport problems in the area.

The bridge will connect Mzimba Boma, Hora constituency and other areas where people face challenges to transport produce to markets and access hospital, schools and other social facilities  after a bridge on Mzimba River was washed away.

Speaking after the ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday. Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango said government was concerned with the transport challenges.

He said he saw pictures of a makeshift  bridge on social media as vehicles drove right in the water. Mhango said works on the river will be done in two phases.

Said Mhango: “The first phase will involve demolition of the old bridge which will cost K63.3 million while the second phase will be actual construction of the new bridge which will cost K490.2 million. The first phase will take four months while the second will take seven months. The works will take almost a year.”

The bridge will boost economic activities in the surrounding areas where people cultivate tobacco, maize, sweet potatoes and vegetables among others.

Mzimba Hora legislator Christopher Ngwira has commended government for paying attention to people’s concerns. n