Roads Authority (RA) has assured people of Chikwawa District that construction of a section between Dyeratu on the M1 and Chikwawa Boma will be done within its scheduled deadline of July 2026.
The 3.4 kilometre (km) section connects Chikwawa District Council offices, Chikwawa District Hospital, Chikwawa Prison and also the access road to Kapichira Hydroelectric Power Station as well as Majete Wildlife Reserve.
For many years, the section was in bad state, making it difficult for motorists and motorcyclists.
Four years ago, some concerned citizens petitioned Chikwawa District Council to rehabilitate the section.
RA awarded Top Range Civil Engineering Company the K4 billion rehabilitation project in August 2025.
In an interview yesterday, RA senior public relations officer Lawrent Kumchenga said the Dyeratu-Chikwawa Boma Road project was progressing well.
He said: “Construction works started on August 14 2025 and the project is expected to be completed by July 10 2026.
“In terms of progress, approximately 1.2 kilometres of the road has already been surfaced. Overall, the project is progressing well and remains on course for completion within the scheduled time frame.”
Residents have since expressed excitement that RA is committed to finish the road within the set time frame.
Duzeni Tembo of Sadulo Village, Traditional Authority Katunga said the new road will improve mobility in the district.
He said: “This section connects people to the district hospital and other important offices.
“For long, the road has been in poor condition, causing accidents at times.”
A motorcycle taxi operator James Malunga said he was nearly hit by a motorist who was navigating through potholes on the section.
“The motorist and me found ourselves going for a better spot in the road; luckily, he applied his breaks just in time,” he said.
