Mzuzu City Council has rolled out the rehabilitation of five roads to improve mobility of residents and goods in the city.
The K8.087 billion project is also expected to reduce congestion in main roads in the city as some of the roads will be by-passes.
Mzuzu City Mayor Chiyembekezo Moses said in an interview that an improved road network is important for the city’s development.
“For example, Botanic Road is a bypass for the city,” he said.
Moses added that the other roads will benefit businesspeople as they will transport goods easily to markets within the city.
Mzuzu City North legislator Mafumu Mkandawire (Malawi Congress Party) said the projects will address challenges communities face due to poor road conditions, particularly along Botanic Road.
“Botanic Road has been in poor condition for a long time, but with the rehabilitation set to start in two weeks, it will be a relief as people use it when travelling to Mzuzu Central Hospital,” said.
On his part, Mzuzu South East legislator William Kaweche (independent) called on contractors to prioritise quality for the roads to serve residents for a long time.
“Quality work will reduce the need for frequent repairs and ensure that the city’s road infrastructure continues to serve its purpose in all seasons,” he said.
In random interviews, residents expressed hope that improved roads will facilitate easy movement of people and goods.
A Botanic New Lines resident Hannah Ngwata said the project will ease mobility challenges, especially during the rainy season.
“Poor roads damage motor vehicles, which forces people to dig deeper into their pockets to fix the cars,” she said.
The roads are Botanic Road, Lisbon-Vigwagwa Road, Hilltop Road, Boardman Road and St Denis Road.
Other roads in Mzuzu City North will also be upgraded.
The council is implementing the project with funding from the Roads Fund Administration and the Constituency Development Fund
