Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango says emergency works on the Chiweta Escarpment in Rumphi District are expected to be completed within two weeks to ease transport challenges.
Mhango said this when he toured the road to appreciate the progress and challenges being faced.
The Minister said contractor CHICO will place gravel and construct concrete pads to improve the road’s passability as works continue on the road, which is part of the Kacheche-Chiweta M1 EU-funded rehabilitation project.
Roads Authority Chief Executive Officer Joel Longwe has assured transporters and Malawians that efforts are underway to address the challenges and prevent recurring disruptions along the road.
A truck driver, Davie Nkhoma, has expressed optimism that once completed, such challenges will be a thing of the past, saying he has been delayed for days in Chiweta.
The assurances come at a time when motorists and other road users have been spending hours navigating impassable sections of the road in Chiweta, disrupting the movement of people and goods.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Public Infrastructure Hon Dumisani Lindani has commended the Minister for his prompt response and leadership.
Hon Lindani, who also inspected the site to appreciate what the Ministry and the Roads Authority are doing on the ground, said there have been a lot of complaints from Malawians and as the line Committee, they will continue working hand in hand with the Ministry, the Roads Authority and all stakeholders to ensure that things are in place and Malawians have a safe and passable M1.
He has encouraged the contractor to follow the guidance of the Ministry and the Roads Authority.
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