The iconic Lilongwe Bridge is set to wear a new face under a Japanese Government funded project that is part of the M1 Road improvement program within the city.
President Chakwera on Wednesday flagged off the project where he commended the Government of Japan for the financial and technical support it renders to Malawi for the construction and rehabilitation of strategic road infrastructure in the country.
The project, estimated at K37 billion, is estimated to take 24 months.
Chakwera said: ”So Your Excellency Yoichi Oya, Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, I want you to know that I am so grateful for your support. The impact of the support you have given us to fix this important road will last for a generation. When a road of this kind is rehabilitated as we are doing, it enhances the integration of local and international markets which induces improvements in productivity, leading to wealth creation and helping people to move out of poverty. For this gift to Malawi.”
Chakwera directed the Minister of Transport to ensure that the roads projects are completed on time and must be of high quality to the satisfaction of the citizenry.
“Now, since the Minister of Transport is here, let me take advantage of this occasion to direct him to stay vigilant on the progress of the Dzaleka – Ntchisi – Malomo Road, the Nsanama – Nayuchi road, the Mkanda – Kapiri road, the Monkey bay – Cape Maclear road, the Mzimba – Mzarangwe Road, the Ntcheu -Tsangano – Neno – Mwanza road, the Njakwa – Livingstonia road, the Kaphatenga – Benga road, and the Chitipa – Ilomba road, all of which are roads my Administration is constructing. But I want speed and quality, because Malawians want to enjoy these developments,” Chakwera directed.
Similar to the above, Chakwera made another directive to the responsible Minister to ensure that some equally crucial road projects, funding of which has already been secured, commences in the year 2024. The following roads were highlighted as due for commencement: the M5 road from Benga to Dwangwa, Liwonde – Matawale road, Nsipe to Liwonde road, and the Mangochi – Makanjira road.
The Malawi leader expressed optimism of Lilongwe taking a new look upon completion of the road improvements being made from Kanengo to Crossroads with support from China, Kenyatta and Mzimba Streets with domestic finances, under design roads from Chidzanja to Nathenje, from Kamuzu International Airport to Kanengo, and Kaunda and Chendawaka roads.
Chakwera administration has initiated numerous infrastructure development projects, mostly roads construction, across the country. Once all are completed, Malawi will wear a new face.