Roads Authority (RA) has assured people of Nsanje District that it is committed to constructing the Mtayamoyo Bridge across the Shire River in Nsanje District to facilitate easy mobility.
Mtayamoyo Bridge was washed away in 1999, but former president Joyce Banda constructed a bailey bridge in 2013 which was also washed away within months.
in Nsanje. | Martin Gela Jnr
The bridge lies on the road that connects the M1 at Bangula in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mbenje passing through Makhanga in T/A Mlolo to join a road from Thyolo-Thekerani to Muona-Fatima in Nsanje.
Due to the damage, people from T/A Mlolo cross the Shire River using dug-out canoes and boats.
In a written response to a questionnaire on Friday, RA spokesperson Alice Chinthochi said the government is aware of the need to construct Mtayamoyo Bridge.
She said: “Government has plans in the 2026/27 financial year to connect Muona to Bangula through Makhanga, Chiromo and Mtayamoyo under a phased approach due to budget constraints.
“The first phase involved the construction of the Thyolo-Thekerani-Muona Road and Ruo Bridge which have since been completed.”
Chinthochi said the next phase is the construction of the road and bridges between Muona and Bangula.
She said: “The process of procuring a consultant to offer the design services is in final stages of approval.
“The design process for this area is estimated to take six months as it is critical because the area in question is prone to floods. Construction works will commence immediately after the design processes.”
In reaction, Shire Valley Ambassadors organisation executive director Daniel Phiri commended the development, saying the road is crucial for the district’s development.
“We need the bridge because it links the people of Nsanje with Mulanje and Thyolo,” he said.
For one to reach T/A Mlolo from Nsanje Boma, one will have to go through Thabwa Road in Chikwawa or use the Blantyre-Thyolo-Thekerani Road.
