By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, October 8, Mana: Farmers from Uzumara, in the area of Senior Chief Mwankhunikira in Rumphi, expressed optimism on Monday about making higher profits from their produce, thanks to reduced transport costs with the opening of the new Phwezi-Uzumara Road.

The farmers expressed their happiness at Uzumara during the inauguration of the eight-kilometer earth road.  

Petros Mbale, a farmer and grocery shop owner in Uzumara, noted that transport costs between Uzumara and Phwezi Market would be significantly reduced.

He added that farmers would now be able to transport their perishable produce to Phwezi Market on time, improving their overall profitability.

"Motorcycle used to cost us about MK6, 000.00 to transport farm produce such as tomatoes to Phwezi.

“With the new road, prices have already started to drop. Today, we saw the first vehicles use the road. We expect vendors will now come directly to us, which will further reduce our transport expenses,” said Mbale.

Another farmer, Dorothy Mzumara said that she used to pay up to MK4, 000.00 to transport one bucket of tomatoes to Phwezi and hoped that she will make more profits due to accessibility to the area.

Member of Parliament for Rumphi Central, Chidumba Mkandawire said that he was happy that the people of Uzumara have been connected to Phwezi and pledged to continue upgrading the road further.

"We have been implementing a number of development projects such as construction of school blocks, teachers houses among others and I am happy to have added the road to that list.

Traditional leaders and I kept knocking on the doors of Roads Authority Offices to achieve this. I am happy that they responded positively and now vehicles can pass through this road for the first time," said Mkandawire.

Senior Chief Mwankhunikira also said that, though being an earth road, it is a milestone achievement in the development of the area.

District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu said the road would ease challenges that people of the area have been experiencing in transporting their farm produce.

He added that government through Rumphi District Council is also working hard with different stakeholders to provide electricity, and clean and portable water in the area.

Roads Authority funded MK70 Million towards construction of five bridges on the road and people of the area rehabilitated the road as community contribution to the project.