By Zenak Matekenya

Dedza, September 17, Mana:  Roads Authority has expressed disappointment over the prolonged construction of the 5km Dedza loop road and has asked the contractor to complete the project before the onset of the rainy season.

The project which costs over K2 billion started in July 2023, and was scheduled to be completed within six months, but was partially affected by the devaluation of the Kwacha.

On Monday the citizenry engaged the Roads Authority over the contractor’s assumed incompetence characterized by lack of progress, inadequate equipment, lack of road signs and dust pollution.

In an interview, Dedza District Council chairperson Stanley Manasse said the contractor's conduct threatens people’s health and causes accidents and damage to vehicles.

“People of Dedza demanded a meeting with the Roads Authority because they are the ones who identified the contractor. 

“We expect the contractor to expedite the work, contain dust pollution, put diversion signs and fix portholes on those diversions,” he said.

Chairperson for Dedza Civil Society Organisation Osborne Nyirongo criticised the delay arguing that it is compromising people’s right to economic opportunities and overall well-being.

“We will continue engaging the National Roads Authority as they also talk to the contractor and we challenge them that if things don’t change, we might as well go on the street to demonstrate so that the road can be completed,” he said.

Roads Authority Malawi Senior Public Relations Specialist Portia Kajanga said the concerns were genuine saying the contract has taken longer than expected.

She said the contractor was given 24 hours to identify a water bowser to contain dust pollution and ensure the work was completed before the onset of the rainy season.

“There were some challenges on both the contractor's side and the authority but we have discussed those challenges and we will continue discussing,” she said.

She said the job was advertised publicly and when the contractor was being hired he had all the required equipment for the work.

The contractor Pams, denied to comment on the matter saying conditions of the contract do not allow them to do so.