M’mbelwa District Council on Monday launched construction of the K370 million Mzalangwe Bridge across the Luweya River in Mzimba Hora Constituency under the Reformed K5 billion Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The council also launched a K559 million project to construct a staff house, latrine and reticulated water supply system at Chaboli Extension Planning Area (EPA) in the constituency.
Mzimba Hora legislator Martha Mzomera Ngwira (Democratic Progressive Party) said the bridge will address mobility challenges that have affected people in the area for years.
the river. | Elton Mhango
“People struggled to access basic amenities, especially during the rainy season as they could not cross the river,” she said.
Ngwira, who is also Deputy Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, said the projects reflect government’s commitment to develop rural areas.
She said: “The reformed CDF is accelerating development in hard-to-reach areas.
“We thank the government for the programme and call upon the contractors to deliver decent jobs.”
M’mbelwa District Council chairperson Joel Nkhata urged contractors to adhere to quality standards.
“I urge contractors to complete the projects on time and avoid substandard work,” he said.
In his remarks, Mzimba district commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu said they contracted Be-Quality & Rama Construction to undertake the works on the bridge while Chaima & Jasten Construction will construct the house, toilets and water supply system at Chaboli EPA.
He said both construtction works will take 90 days and that the council will provide strict supervision to ensure value for money.
Group village head Nyambose hailed government for the development, saying the community suffered after the bridge collapsed in 2024.
“Pregnant women struggled to cross the river to health facilities during the rainy season. I am optimism that the new bridge will improve access to healthcare and other social services in the area,” he said.
