By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, January 15, Mana: Communities in Salima and Nkhotakota have commended government for taking a decisive action to ensure that construction of the Lakeshore (M5) road is done.

The project, which is currently underway, is meant to elevate Nkhotakota as a key in various economic activities in Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), a community member in Salima, Agatha Mambo, expressed gratitude for the road construction, stating it has instilled hope among residents.

She said the road will facilitate transportation of produce to and from Nkhotakota, ultimately enhancing their earnings.

Mambo highlighted challenges faced due to the poor road conditions, making it difficult to reach Nkhotakota and other districts along the lakeshore.

"The substandard road conditions hindered our business operations. The road under construction will not only boost economic activities but also contribute to various developments, including healthcare sector," she said.

She said the road's benefits extend beyond Salima and Nkhotakota, benefiting multiple districts in the northern and southern regions of the country.

James Mangani, a rice trader at Salima Boma, expressed optimism on the road's impact on rice business.

He noted exorbitant transportation costs incurred when ferrying rice from Nkhatabay or Nkhotakota, resulting in price hikes to offset losses.

"The escalating transport expenses have compelled us to raise prices. The new road is expected to alleviate transport burdens we face," Mangani said.

Joyce Matemba, a rice farmer in Nkhotakota, emphasized the road's role in reducing travel time to markets thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing financial losses.

"The improved road infrastructure will address the longstanding challenges we have encountered hence ensuring timely delivery to markets. I commend President Chakwera's administration for the timely decision to reconstruct the road," Matemba said.

A motorist operating between Nkhotakota and Lilongwe, Akuzike Nyadani, highlighted the financial strain on drivers due to vehicle maintenance costs resulting from poor road conditions.

"The deteriorated road has been a major setback to us as drivers. The new road will provide sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by the people of Nkhotakota," Nyadani said.

Senior Chief Mwansambo of Nkhotakota commended the initiative, emphasizing the transformative impact of the M5 Road on local development and connectivity within the lakeshore.

"The dilapidated state of the previous road posed safety risks to people of Nkhotakota, isolating them from key developments," Mwansambo said.

He underscored Nkhotakota's significance in agriculture, fishing and solar energy production, emphasizing the need for investments in the lakeshore.

Senior Chief Kanyenda of Nkhotakota echoed Mwansambo’s sentiments highlighting the road's role in enhancing social and economic activities.

He stressed the road's connectivity to vital institutions like Dwangwa, housing ethanol and sugar manufacturing plants, which could boost national exports.

"The road will address challenges faced by institutions like Ilovo thereby fostering economic growth. It will facilitate transportation of essential products such as groundnuts, cassava, rice and fishery products, benefiting not only Nkhotakota but the entire nation," Kanyenda said.

Kanyenda emphasized the road's strategic significance in connecting Malawi and Tanzania.