Roads Authority (RA) has assured motorists and other road users that it has taken note of the damaged section of the M1 at Kabula Bridge in Mbayani in Blantyre.
The section, rehabilitated in 2023 after it suffered damage during Cyclone Freddy, has developed gaping holes and cracks on the surface, thereby posing a potential risk of accident.
In an interview on Monday, RA board chairperson Matilda Matabwa said they are aware of the damaged section.
She said: “Currently, the spot has been cordoned off for the safety of residents and the travelling public.
“The authority is already on site to determine exactly the cause of the cracks and come up with remedial interventions.”
Matabwa assured residents and road users that they are doing all they can to address the problem and provide safety to the public.
When we visited the site, stones were seen marking the damaged section of the road.
When we asked motorists
and residents, they expressed worry with the situation, urging the authority to expedite maintenance works.
A businessperson Isaac Chitseko, said he will have to use an alternative road to go to Zalewa to buy commodities, which will cost more.
“It means we will have to use Blantyre-Chileka Road via Magalasi because the road might be closed at Kabula section to pave the way for maintenance works,” he said.
Residents and road users discovered the holes and cracks on the road on Saturday.
A taxi driver, Blessings Phiri also complained that the damaged section is posing a threat to motorists.
“The road’s poor condition is a death trap to motorists. I have to swerve to the other lane to avoid the potholes. It is dangerous driving on such a spot, especially at night,” he said.
