The Roads Authority (RA) has allocated K100 million for the completion of Manolo Bridge across South Rukuru River in Mzimba.
RA has assigned the funds through the Roads Authority Rural Bridges Programme, according to officials.
The development comes two months after Senior Chief Mpherembe complained about hardships faced by his subjects due to the stalled project during President Peter Mutharika’s visit to Mpherembe in Mzimba.
Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony for construction of the bridge on Saturday, Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango confirmed that the project would resume shortly and that this time the bridge will be completed.
During the rainy season it becomes hard for people to cross the river to access hospitals, schools, markets and other facilities. The development puts people’s lives at risk and affects children’s education.
“The challenge with these communities is that schools, hospitals, markets and other facilities are on the other side, so it becomes difficult for people to access the facilities. During rainy season they cannot cross the river, it is risky,” he said. The old bridge collapsed three years ago when a truck was crossing it.
