Government to ensure roads being constructed are durable

Lilongwe, December 20, Mana: Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara says ministry will ensure that roads being constructed in the country are durable and have quality standards.

Hara made the remarks in Lilongwe on Wednesday when he officially opened for traffic, one section of the M1 road from the newly constructed Crossroads - Kanengo dual carriageway.

The minister said he is impressed with construction work on one section of the dual carriage way M1 road from Crossroads to Kanengo saying the contractors are constructing the roads using Grade a Chinese standard.

“These are type of roads that we shall be building from now onwards. We want contractors to construct roads like what the Chinese construction firm, Shandong Luqiao Group are doing. We want roads that will last up to 40 years,” he said.

Hara commended the contractors for the good pace at which they are constructing the road which will enable road users use the M1 road without challenges.

He said the road is strong and one of its kind in Malawi.

“I am happy today we have provided access to the other section of the road to pave way for contractors to finalize the other side.

“There are still more layers to be done and we hope by December, 2024 the whole road will be completed,” he said.

Speaking after he visited the Kenyatta drive/Sharaar Street and Mzimba Road construction work to appreciate progress, the minister was not impressed with the slow pace of the work.

The contractors gave excuses such as price escalation and Kwacha devaluation.

“We understand and we will see how best we can help to ensure they expedite the construction work.

“I have also given them instruction that we attain quality on this stretch. We want contractors to use pavers for laying base, but the contractors want to continue using graders, this is an old way of doing it. Times have changed; we want smoother roads,” he noted.

Consultant Paul Kulemeka said the delays are due to the devaluation of Kwacha, fuel and forex scarcity.

“At the beginning the contractors delayed due to electricity poles and water pipes then fuel scarcity; that affected progress. We have told the contractors to revisit how they planned the works so that they can finish by July, 2024,” he said.

Lilongwe City Mayor, Richard Banda said the construction of roads in the city will improve infrastructure development.

“There is congestion on the roads, but construction of the roads will ease traffic flow and congestion,” he said.

Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre, Alfred Jiya commended government for transforming the city of Lilongwe by rehabilitating roads.

“Infrastructure development is in line with Malawi 2063 and as city dwellers we look forward to the completion of these roads which will change the face of Lilongwe,” he said.

The construction works of the 10-kilometre dual carriageway from Crossroads to Kanengo is funded by Republic of China to the tune of K22 billion.

The 4.2 kilometre Kenyatta Drive and Sharrar Street will cost K19 billion and is funded by Malawi government.

The minister also visited Kamuzu International Airport junction to Kasungu road and the Dzaleka-Mwangala-Ntchisi-Malomo M7/U51 road.