By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, August 13, Mana: Roads Authority on Wednesday handed over construction of a 20 kilometer stretch of Rumphi- Nyika road to PLEM Construction replacing Unique Construction.

Construction of the stretch from Chikwawa to Bembe will cost K29 billion and funded by Malawi Government.

Speaking during a hand over ceremony at Bolero Trading Centre, Managing Director for PLEM Construction, Jay Khrishnan said his company is committed to complete the road.

"Our company has never failed to complete a project. I understand we have to prove ourselves, but I can assure you that we will complete it," said Khrishnan.

District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu said the road is important for rural development and urged the company not to fail government under the leadership of President Lazarus Chakwera and people of Rumphi.

Bulukutu also pledged Rumphi District Council’s support   to ensure that the road is completed on time for the benefit of people in the district and the country as a whole.

Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe said the people of Rumphi have been waiting for the completion of the road and thanked government for awarding the project to a new contractor.

“We are hopeful that the road will be completed. We will cooperate with you so that your job runs smoothly,” Chikulamayembe said.

Rumphi-Nyika Road is the main route to Nyika National Park and also connects Hewe, a major farming hub in the district.