By Maston Kaiya & Bazilio Chingoli

Ntcheu, 1 July, Mana: The plans by the Government of Malawi to upgrade the 79 kilometres Chamtulo (off Monkey Bay Mangochi) road to Mkutumula near Balaka market in Ntcheu has brought much excitement among communities in the area.

Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) Monday in Ntcheu, Inkosi Makwangwala said the road project would help in different sectors in his area.

"We are very grateful; our area will benefit a lot to this project. Our farm produce will have easy access to good markets because of this road network, and even access to the health facilities will be easier than before," he said.

Makwangwala has since ensured good collaboration between his subjects and those who would be responsible for the construction of the road.

“We will jealously guard the construction materials to ensure that there are no malpractices that can lead to substandard project delivery,” he added.

Ntcheu District Council Director of Finance, Musandide Misinjo said the road project was useful as it would improve service delivery and enhance local revenue.

"The Construction works for the road project is timely considering the modern markets at Banda, Pengapenga and Bwanje. With this easy access, we believe our revenue collection will increase and the district’s developmental activities will improve," he said.

Misinjo added that plans are on the shelves for the upgrading of Chikande Trading Centre, which was along Nacala Corridor.

On his part, A Motorbike Operator at Chikande Trading Centre, Harry Chabwera alluded that the road project would ease their business as most customers are farmers, as they ferry farm produce to the nearby markets.

"This road is impassable during rainy season, this hinders our business operations, I believe that this project will address all the challenges we face when using this road," he said.

Chairperson for the Lower Makwangwala Area Development Committee (ADC), James Konzaufe said that the upgrading of the road from earth surface to bitumen was a blessing for the community of the area who have been facing mobility challenges for decades.

President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera announced the construction of Mkutumula-Chamtulo road, which is among other four roads that the government will construct under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact 2, known as Malawi Transport and Land Compact.