K27.7m bridge to ease mobility challenges

Communities in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mpando in Ntcheu District have expressed excitement with the district council’s plans to construct a K27.7 million bridge across Nzama River in the area.

The bridge, to be constructed under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (Gesd) Project, will connect people to Nzama Heath Centre and Ntcheu-Tsangano-Neno-Mwanza Road.

In an interview on Monday, Mpando Area Development Committee chairperson Andrew Gambatula said it is a nightmare for people trying to cross the river.

He said: “Access to good road network is what communities are looking for.

“During the rainy season, people struggle to cross the river. For referrals to Ntcheu District Hospital, an ambulance has to use diversions to connect to the main road. So, once the bridge is completed, vehicles will travel directly to the area.”

In his remarks, T/A Mpando said the bridge will also ease mobility challenges for learners at Nzama Primary School and Nzama Community Day Secondary School.

On his part, Group village head Hoda said with the majority of people relying on farming, the bridge will address the burden of high transport costs.

He expressed concern that it becomes difficult to timely reach Tsangano Turn-off market as big vehicles cannot reach the area.

Ntcheu District Council director of planning and development Obed Mwalughali said the council will ensure the bridge is completed in the next three months.

“The World Bank has disbursed funds for what was approved in the 2023/24 annual investment plans. Therefore, the council has prioritised projects such as Nzama Bridge which will be completed in three months,” he said.

Gesd is funded by the World Bank.