By Steve Chirombo

Dedza, March 23, Mana: Dedza District Council on Friday handed over a concrete bridge worthy over MK36 million to communities of Group Village Headman Chipeni under Senior Chief Kaphuka which has been constructed with funds under the District Development Funds (DDF).

For a long time, communities in the areas of Ntapo, Chipeni and Kamfundula have had a hustle of their lives in as far as crossing the river to the other side of the villages to access social amenities was concerned.

Dedza District Council, Chairperson, Councilor Themuka Nkhweu, said he was happy to witness the grand opening of the bridge which he said will improve coordination among surrounding communities.

He thanked the contractor, Manjawira Contractors, for what he described as good and quality work as well as completing it within stated time-frame of three months.

“There are problems everywhere and it takes good leadership to receive such developments. The handing over of Nadulu bridge today, is in-line with our vision as council to provide sustainable developments to the people,” said Nkhewu.

On his part, Group Village Headman (GVH) Chipeni, said all along they thought bridges were meant for urban areas and regarded the gesture by Dedza District Council as a dream coming true and as an honour.

“The absence of the bridge has been a problem for some time and facilities such as schools were further apart but now we have an easy road connection,” he said.

Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Dedza, McPherson Mwakhwawa, hailed communities’ participation during construction to which he said resulted in its success.

While calling for the full ownership, he reminded communities that the council implements projects from the Village Action Plans (VAPs) and urged them to always formulate plans of whatever development they want.