Roads Authority to rehabilitate Chikale Bridge in Nkhata Bay

Roads Authority says it is set to rehabilitate Chikale Bridge in Nkhata Bay District which was damaged by heavy rains in April 2022.

Speaking on Friday when he inspected the project, Nkhata Bay district commissioner Rodgers Newa said the project will improve mobility in the district.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the works and said he was optimistic that the bridge will be of high quality.

“It is a sigh of relief to the council. The contractor has assured me that the work will be completed within seven days,” said Newa.

Mkumbira Area Development Committee chairperson  Mavuto Kaunda said road users are excited to see the bridge being renovated.

“Road users, including learners were afraid to use the road because the bridge was a death trap,” he said.

One of the community members, Hanna Chirwa, said parents will be relieved of escorting their children to Chikale Primary School.

“Crossing the damaged bridge was a risky adventure. Many parents could not let their children cross it alone,” she said.

North Works Construction Company representative McKinley Mhango said once completed, the bridge is expected to accommodate vehicles of up to 35 tonnes and above unlike the previous one which had a 10-tonne limit.