JTI rehabilitates road in Kanengo

JTI Leaf Malawi has rehabilitated a strategic road at Kanengo in Lilongwe at a cost of K52 million.

Lilongwe City’s Deputy Mayor Kwame Bandawe has since applauded the company for rehabilitating the road, saying by investing in the project, JTI underlined its commitment to the development of the country.

“This support is colossal and we do not take it for granted. We thank JTI for the initiative and we appeal to other companies to take a leaf from JTI and partner us in improving infrastructure in the city,” said Bandawe.

Speaking when he handed over the road to the Lilongwe City Council, JTI Leaf Malawi Managing Director Fries Vanneste said his company decided to invest in the rehabilitation of the road to facilitate its business process as well as to enhance safety requirement.

He said due to its sorry state, the road was slippery during the rainy season and, therefore, not conducive for heavy duty trucks that ply the road on daily basis.

Vanneste said the works undertaken on the road were of high quality, with a concrete surface conducive for heavy duty trucks.

“This to us is a worthwhile investment. This is our contribution towards government’s efforts of ensuring good infrastructure to spar socio-economic development,” said Vanneste.

On his part, Tobacco Control Commission (TCC) Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Munthali, commended JTI for the initiative, saying the company had taken an extra mile which will go a long way in the development of the country.

“I have been working in Kanengo for many years and I know this road. Despite the importance of this stretch of the road, it was in very bad shape and dangerous to use, especially for heavy-duty trucks,” said Munthali.

“But as they say all that is now water under the bridge, the road has been rehabilitated and I am impressed with its quality. This road will definitely last long,” he said.