Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda has told contractors undertaking the construction of Manja Township road to deliver the project within the deadline of six months.
He made the call in the township in Blantyre yesterday as he launched the construction of the 1.3 kilometre (km) K2.5 billion road project that will cut through the centre of the residential area housing nearly 20 000 residents.
The minister further urged the contractor to adhere to high standards so that the road is durable.
Said Chimwendo Banda: “This is a very important road to the township and Blantyre City as a whole. During the rainy season, the people in this township have been facing a lot of challenges. So, we want a high quality road. We want to ensure the township has the best road in the city.”
He said it was President Lazarus Chakwera’s wish that several projects that his administration was undertaking were completed in time.
“So, let me assure residents of Manja Township that the timeframe of six months will be achieved. The 1.3 kilometres is a small project. It must be completed on time,” he said before announcing that next week he will launch another K1.5 billion 0.8-km road project in Bangwe Township.
Some Manja residents who spoke to The Nation yesterday described the road project as a Mother’s Day gift.
“The launch coincided with Mother’s Day. So to us this is a gift for our mothers in Manja Township,” said one woman.
Blantyre City Council Mayor Joseph Makwinja said the residents of Manja Township have suffered from bad roads for a long time, and he was happy that the project has finally taken off.
He said: “The people here have been crying for this road because it is important as it connects Soche, Chimwankhunda and Chilobwe townships. We are very excited about the project.”
DEC Construction Limited managing director Dan Chale said his company has a track record of constructing quality roads and challenged that he will deliver the road project in time.
“Manja Township residents should expect a high quality road that will be completed within the agreed timeframe,” he said.
The project is a result of activism from a group Rise Up Manja formed by Manja Township residents to champion developmental activities in the township.
The group through its then chairperson Frank Namangale wrote BCC to demand tarmac roads, street lights and regular collection of garbage.
That year, Vice-President Saulos Chilima was engaged on the poor state of roads in Manja and he expressed disappointment with council officials for the delays in upgrading the road to bitumen.
