Works on Chakazi Bridge progress at snail’s pace

There is slow progress on the construction of K553.6 million Chakazi Bridge  in Mzimba, a development that is crippling the transport system in the district.

The situation on the ground is contrary to statements by Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango who on Monday said construction of the bridge is on track.

He said this during the commissioning of Mongo Bridge in the district.

“I have been monitoring the construction works on that bridge and there is good progress. Be assured that works will be completed within the project’s time-frame,” said Mhango.

During the launch of the project in May this year, Mhango said the first phase, which involved demolition of the old bridge’s remains    would take four months while the second phase would last seven months.

The demolition took place, but according to Traditional Authority Chindi of the Area, the contractors just dug trenches and put wire mesh. He said apart from that there is nothing happening.

In an interview yesterday, Traditional Authority Chindi of the area said construction works have slowed down and vehicles are now using an alternative route in Eswazini.

“There is nothing happening on the ground. I was there three days ago when I was travelling to Mzimba Boma, and I made a U-turn to Eswazini because as it is, we cannot use it,” said Chindi.

The bridge is situated 16.9 kilometres from Mzimba Boma and is being constructed with funds from fuel levy under government’s rural bridges project.

The bridge connects Mzimba Boma and Hora Constituency and other areas such that many people cannot access social services or transport produce to markets.