By Kenneth Zindondo 

Blantyre, June 11, Mana: Zomba City Council says it is ready to start the reconstruction of Mpondabwino Bridge on Likangala River as it awaits expert assessment reports from Malawi Engineering Institute and MUBAS Polytechnic Lab. 

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, the Council`s Public Relations Officer, Aubrey Moses said planning for the reconstruction is actively underway. 

“After damage on the deck of the bridge, the reconstruction task was assigned to two assessors; the Malawi Engineering Institute and Polytechnic Lab. We are still waiting for their reports,” he said,

He said authorities acknowledges concerns from motorists on mobility inconveniences after damage on the concrete deck of the bridge.

“Plans are underway to make the bridge completely impassable until reconstruction is complete.,” he added.

The concerns come as drivers and business persons affected by the closure of the bridge continue to find alternative routes to and from Zomba City while waiting for the council to fix the bridge. 

Business people affected by the condition of the bridge include a grain maize seller, Adam Mtendere, who said was looking forward to urgent reconstruction. 

“We hope for a quicker progress so that we can resume normal business operations using the bridge,” he said. 

George Chilipo, a driver said Mpondabwino Bridge was a direct route such that a crack on the bridge has affected mobility as vehicles stopped using it. 

"It’s been tough, but we remain hopeful that the reconstruction will bring lasting improvements," he added. 

Mpondabwino Bridge connects Thundu, Mitekete, Thabwani and Ulumba areas and is mostly used by taxis operating from the city to Mpunga and Sadzi Township,

The bridge was upgraded to the present status between years back and developed a visible structural damage on its concrete deck rack in December 2024 such that Zomba City Council closed it for traffic.