Minister warns on M1 rehab delays
Ministry of Transport a n d P u b l i c Infrastructure Jacob Hara has admitted that delays in the rehabilitation of the M1 will lead to the increase in the contract sum for the four slots of the road.
The project has delayed to take shape due to, among others, changes in designs for the road, delays in setting up sites but also quarry crashing machines but also delays in getting approval for environmental and social management plans (ESMPs).
Speaking during a tour of Lot Four of the road which commences at Kacheche to Chiweta in Rumphi District last Friday, the minister was, however, optimistic that the delay was to ensure quality works.
The 66.6-kilometre (km) long stretch is being constructed by China Henan Internat ional Corporation Group to the tune of 31.8 million euro (about K45 billion).
Said Hara: “Most people do not appreciate the kind of progress made because they want to see progress on the actual road.
“But there is a lot of work that has to happen behind the scenes, a lot of equipment that has to be set up, and what we are seeing is a good example of that.”
Hara said contractors needed time to set up, but also change of designs as what was initially planned is not what is happening so that the road is built in a better manner.
“Obviously, that will also delay the work. I think this is a good problem because we want a better Malawi 40 years from now,” he said.
Lot 1, which covers 102 km, starts from Kamuzu International Airport Turn-off to Kasungu] has a project period of 30 months while Lot 2, an 85.5 km stretch from Kasungu-Jenda is for 18 months.
Lot 3, covering 46.7km from J enda-Mzimba Turn-off is expected to be completed in 15 months and Lot 4, covering 66. 5 km [from Kacheche-Chiweta] is to be completed in 24 months.
The European Union (EU) is funding the project to the tune of 139 million euro
Meanwhi l e , Ha r a has warned contractors rehabilitating Kaphatenga- Benga stretch of the M5 to ensure all drainage structures are completed before the next rainy season.
