Malawi: Three major road projects in Mzuzu city have been delayed due to lack of funds with the administration of the district. The residents of the district were hoping that the projects would be completed within three years of their initiation.
The lack of progress on the part of the authorities has caused the people to show their dissatisfaction. They have been registering their disappointment through social media and other channels.
The affected roads include the route from Mzuzu Government Secondary School to Luwinga via Mzuzu Technical College and the Dunduzu to Sonda by-pass road.
Acting Director of Engineering for Mzuzu City Council (MCC), Precious Mandala stated that progress has slowed significantly due to the lack of funds, increased material costs from devaluation, and changes in road designs.
Mandala emphasized that all the roads are government-funded and assured that the council is making every effort to engage with relevant offices to secure funding for the remaining sections.
Zolozolo Block leader, Gresham Muona highlighted the importance of completing these roads. He highlighted that these roads connect critical locations such as hospitals and schools.
Residents of the Botanic Area in Zolozolo, Mzuzu, are particularly frustrated by the delays. These residents face severe transportation and business issues, especially during the rainy season.
The roads become heavily damaged, making it difficult for residents to commute to work, school, and other essential destinations.
Despite residents’ efforts to maintain the roads themselves, conditions remain poor.
A resident, Debra Mwandenga voiced her frustration that, “I have to walk to the Lunyangwa T-junction to access taxis because they don’t reach here due to the road conditions, and I end up getting to work late.”
The community is urging MCC to secure funds and accelerate the road construction.
“We need a permanent solution to this problem, and we are calling on the city council to take action,” a resident, George Manyera suggested.
Meanwhile the MCC is urging the people to have patience and ensures the people that the road construction projects will be resumed once they have the funds.