The long-awaited rehabilitation of the road between Mangochi-Turn off in Balaka and Nsipe in Ntcheu has started with diversions on the Liwonde- Balaka section.
On Monday, Malawi News Agency (Mana) witnessed works underway with some machinery stationed at Naliswe Primary School in Balaka and others in action towards Balaka.
in Balaka. | Mary Makhiringa
For years, motorists have complained about using the Balaka-Liwonde Road which is in bad shape as deep potholes mar the stretch.
In random interviews, motorists said they were happy with the rehabilitation works.
A Balaka resident, Afiki James, who operates a taxi between Balaka and Zomba, said driving on the road is a nightmare.
“Last year, I witnessed a tragic accident in which a minibus hit a motorcyclist who was an agriculture extension officer in Balaka. This happened because the minibus driver was trying to avoid a pothole,” he said.
A truck driver, Lovemore Malikebu, also welcomed the project.
“I transport cement from Mangochi to Balaka and it takes two hours driving on the stretch between Mangochi-Turnoff and Balaka,” he said.
Roads Authority (RA) is implementing the project to the tune of K74 billion.
The project will include a roundabout at Chingeni Turn-off, an overpass at Balaka Railway Intersection and a market at Chiyendausiku.
RA is undertaking the project with funding from Malawi Government, the European Union and African Development Bank.
