Minister commissions depot, market projects
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri has commissioned the construction of bus depots and markets in Thyolo and Chiradzulu districts, respectively.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony in Thyolo on Friday and Chiradzulu on Saturday, Phiri said the projects will improve economic activities of people of the two districts.
“The markets and bus depots will have 40 shops and restrooms with proper shades,” he said.
The minister also said preparatory works for the construction of a tarmac road from Thyolo Boma passing through Mphanje is at an advanced stage.
In his remarks, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Joseph Mwanamvekha, who is also Chiradzulu South legislator, said traders face challenges during the rainy season.
He said: “The contractor has assured us that we should expect the market and bus depot to be completed within four months from now.”
J&J Construction contracts manager Ndanasho Kayange, whose firm is constructing the Mphanje Market and bus depot in Thyolo, said the project will be completed before the end of this year.
“We want to assure government and people from this area that we will construct durable structures,” he said.
Mary Mangulenje, from Namitambo in Chiradzulu, commended the ministry for the market.
“I will be selling my farm produce near. This will cut transport costs I used to spend to travel to markets in Blantyre,” she said. The bus depot and market projects will cost about K2 billion in both districts.
