Japan ready to deliver K27 billion road

By Deogratias Mmana:

The Government of Japan has assured Malawi that its commitment to dualisation of the Kamuzu Procession Road and construction of the new Lilongwe Bridge will be fulfilled.

The Japanese Embassy in Malawi gave the assurance yesterday in an exclusive interview with The Daily Times when asked about the project’s status.

This comes a week after Transport and Public Works Minister Jacob Hara expressed concern over delays in some road projects.

One of such roads is the M1 which is set for rehabilitation after years of neglect.

The embassy said it has mobilised a contractor on site, marking commencement of construction of the K27 billion project.

Japanese ambassador to Malawi Yoichi Oya said they will ensure timely completion of the project.

“The contractor has already been deployed to the site,” Oya said in a brief response when asked about the project.

Roads Authority spokesperson Portia Kajanga said currently diversions or alternative routes are being made for motorists’ use.

Kajanga however asked for more time to give further details.

Lilongwe City Mayor Richard Banda said the project will reduce congestion in the capital which continues to grow every year.

He therefore challenged investors whose buildings were marked with red stars to demolish them and come up with better structures.

“The project will help the vision 2063 by helping the city reduce congestion, street vending and bring sanity to the city. It will also change the face of the old town,” Banda said.

Japan and Malawi signed the project on September 9 2020 to the tune of K25 billion.

However, in March this year, the Japanese Government donated another K2 billion towards the project particularly for construction of Lilongwe Bridge.

The donation also included K5 billion for the Affordable Inputs Programme.

Oya said the grant will complement Malawi Government’s efforts in regional integration and strengthen connectivity of Nacala corridor.

He said it will also promote economic activities in the country and beyond.

Finance Minister Sosten Gwengwe said during the March signing ceremony that works for improvement of Lilongwe city roads would commence in April.

Rehabilitation and widening of the M1 Road is also expected to cover the Kacheche-Chiweta section which connects the country to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

Works on the Kamuzu International Airport junction- Kasungu stretch of the road have since started, with December 15 2024 being the completion date.