Lilongwe ‘bridges’ owners losing business

Owners of makeshift bridges connecting Tsoka and Lizulu markets in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe fear they will be pushed out of business as most people are now reluctant to use the structures since the rains started.

The rains have swelled the Lilongwe River and water has reached the level of the bridges, creating fear in people that the structures will be washed away.

One of the owners of the bridges, Chinsinsi Nkhoma, confirmed in an interview on Wednesday that since the rains started falling, people are shunning the bridges.

In the dry season, Nkhoma said he used to make between K10 000 (about $30) and K12 000 (about $35) a day, but since the rains started he hardly makes any money.

“The rains have affected our business. This is our life because we do not have any source of income apart from the bridges,” he said.

One coughs K15 to use any of the bridges.

“We may end up losing everything because these rains may as well wash away our bridges.

“As you can see, the rains have just started, but the river is already full. What will happen if it continues?” said Nkhoma.

Lilongwe City Council spokesperson Tamara Chafunya also expressed fears that the bridges will be washed away if the rains continue.

She, however, said the council cannot do anything about it.

“They built the bridges without our consent. So there is nothing we can do. In fact, we had a tour with a parliamentary committee on transport and public works yesterday which suggested that we build concrete bridges on that part of the river,” said Chafunya.

She added that as soon as the council gets money, the project will start.