People around Chombe in Traditional Authority Timbiri in Nkhata Bay District have expressed excitement with the construction of a bridge across Lilezi River in the area.
In an interview on Saturday, they said the bridge will ease mobility, especially during the rainy season when the river overflows.
Community member Matilda Chizembe from group village head Dulani said it was difficult to cross the river without a bridge.
I Zondani Mbale
“It was risky crossing the river during the rainy season. Yet, I saw people risking their lives, especially during emergencies. As for learners, their best option was to abscond classes until the water levels subsided,” she said.
Chizembe commended Jacob Mtambalika, the newly elected member of Parliament for Nkhata Bay Mpamba Constituency for supporting construction of the K15 million bridge.
Another community member Gift Manda from Chizundwi Village farmers from Chizundwi were failing to go across the river to harvest their produce in good time.
He said: “Most people grow crops across the river and it was difficult to visit the farms during harvest time.
“I urge my fellow community members not to steal the planks or poles.”
Mtambalika said there are many agricultural activities in the area and people were struggling to access markets due to lack of a bridge across the river.
“This was one of my promises,” he said.
The bridge connects people of Chombe, Chizundwi, Luwambaza, Matete and other areas.
