Mzuzu City Council has embarked on various infrastructure projects to improve service delivery.
The K5.3 billion projects include roads, market and bus depot rehabilitation as well as construction of drainage systems.
In an interview on Monday, Mzuzu City Council spokesperson McDonald Gondwe said there are eight projects under the first phase of the Road Rehabilitation Programme and Infrastructure Development Fund.
He said: “Rehabilitation of Mzuzu Bus Depot is given to Shalom Investment while Jags Civil Engineering contractor will put gravel on roads and construct drainages in Luwinga, Mchengautuba, Zolozolo, Chiputula and Chibavi townships.
Bus Depot. I Euneas Zinyengo
“Other contractors are Uhuru Civil Engineering, Chief Building and Civil Engineering, Wasi Civil Engineering and Sejo Construction who were awarded contracts to rehabilitate some road sections and markets.”
The Nation spot checks verified some of the projects, including construction of waterways in markets and upgrading of roads.
Gondwe said the second phase will involve construction of bridges, slab culverts, grading and rehabilitation of roads.
Shalom Investment managing director Teleza
akonyola confirmed being awarded the bus depot contract.
“We started our work a fortnight ago and we expect to finish before the rain starts. Our work involves replacing bus shelters, tarring inside the depot premises and installation of lighting systems,” she said.
Mzuzu Civil Society Organisations Network member Augustine Harawa said the projects will facelift the city.
He, however, advised the council to properly utilise the public funds.
A resident Esnarth Phiri commended the council for the projects, saying they improve mobility challenges when the roads are rehabilitated.
“It was a nightmare driving in some of the roads and they will now be passable,” he said.
The council received K3.7 billion for a similar purpose last year, but Gondwe bemoaned that most of it was used to fill deficits left by local revenue targets.
