By George Bulombola

Mzuzu, February 6, Mana: Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda says it is impressive to see most of the constructors working on government project back on sites after the Kwacha devaluation which lead to price escalation.

Chimwendo Banda was speaking in Mzuzu on Monday after touring construction works of the K17 billion magnificent Mzuzu City Council (MCC) civic Centre.

The Minister was impressed with physical construction progress of the Centre which is at 47 percent with elapse time at 55 percent.

“We could have done better as this project was supposed to be completed by February 2025. Government will do everything possible to sort out issues surrounding projects implementation in the city, including this Centre,” said Chimwendo Banda.

He added that once completed, the Centre will improve the city’s face and diversify the its revenue base as some the office spaces will be rented out to the public.

The Minister advised MCC to properly utilize funds to register remarkable development progression so that the council’s plans and vision are materialized for improved service delivery.

MCC Chief Executive Officer, Gomezgani Nyasulu, commended government for providing K2.3 billion towards the project in the 2023/2024 mid-year budget review.

“Initially, we were provided K800 million out of the K17 billion. We could not do much with this amount. We are pleased that government has also pumped in K2.3 billion. This will accelerate completion of the project.

“We have also been given about K4 billion for grading and maintenance of roads in the city’s unplanned areas which include Mzirawayingwe and Zolozolo,” said Nyasulu.

Nyasulu asked government to consider providing the Council with K11 billion to finish three road projects which are currently under way.

The three road projects of Mzuzu Government Secondary School-Matete- Luwinga- Mzuzu Coffee Office Road, Dunduzu-National Oil Company Road and Luwinga-Choma-Dunduzu, will serve as by pass roads thereby reducing traffic congestion in the city.