Minister of Transport and Public Works Hon. Jacob Hara MP is impressed with early momentum of the works on the 55kilometers Nsipe to Liwonde road rehabilitation project.
Speaking after inspecting the Mangochi turn off to Chiyendausiku section of the road where earth works on the diversions have started, the Minister said that he was happy because the Contractor has already started the works even before completing mobilizing equipment.
“Despite the project handover happening during the rainy season, the contractor wasted no time and has already advanced on site mobilization and diversion works,” said the Minister.
The Minister said that currently the target is to have 20km of surfaced road, on the poorest section of this road (Mangochi Turn Off-to Balaka) done before the next rainy season.
According to the Minister, the Project work scope involve paving of a critical 20km section from Nsipe to Chingeni where a roundabout will be put at Chingeni to ease traffic flow, followed by a 35km stretch from Chingeni to Liwonde.
“The works will also include a road overpass at Balaka rail crossing to eliminate the road/ rail conflict and improve safety,” said the Minister.
The Minister also reiterated that meanwhile preparatory procedure for the next phase of the rehabilitation of the Balaka Zomba road are in advanced stages.
“The next phase of the road which is Liwonde to Matawale road reconstruction is in the final stages of paperwork with contractor handover expected soon,” said Hara
“Let me assure Malawians that under the leadership and guidance of President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, our policy is to build quality roads that will last 30 to 40 years, not the short-lived, campaign roads of past administrations.
We want Malawians, when repaying these loans to look back with pride and see tangible, lasting results from the investments we are making today,” said Hara.
The Nsipe-Liwonde Rd project is been financed by African Development Bank/European Union and Malawi Government at a cost of USD46,314,198.93 and it is expected to be completed within a period of one and half year from 16 January 2025 to14 July 2026.
Lea Associates South Asia Pvt. Ltd. India in Association with RUO Consulting Engineers, Malawi are the consulting engineers while Jiangxi Construction Engineering (Group) Corporation Ltd is the contactor.