By Tiyese Monjeza:
The Roads Authority (RA) has announced that construction of the 47.9-kilometre Liwonde–Matawale section of the M3 Road between Zomba and Machinga is expected to commence later this month, with a contractor already identified.
RA Environmental Safeguards Specialist, Benjamin Kamanga, said the project is being implemented by the authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Public Works.
It is funded by the World Bank under the Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (Satcp). It is expected to be completed by July 30, 2027.
He made the remarks on Wednesday during a public disclosure and consultation meeting with members of Zomba City and District councils.
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Kamanga said Stecol Corporation is the contractor for the K106 billion road construction project.
He added that the road will have a 20-year design life span and will employ 280 people, with 80 percent being local residents.
“The environmental and social impact assessment report has been cleared and approved by the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority, allowing construction works to begin,” Kamanga said.
The road will be upgraded to bitumen standard with an improved drainage system.
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Kamanga said the project is expected to improve transport efficiency, promote trade and strengthen regional connectivity and economic development.
Zomba District Council Director of Planning and Development, Isaac Mkandawire, urged people with permanent structures along the road reserve to relocate to avoid disrupting construction works.
“The road is currently in a poor state, with journeys from Zomba to Liwonde taking over two hours instead of about 30 minutes under normal conditions,” Mkandawire said.
He added that affected residents have already been compensated and should allow construction to proceed.
Mkandawire said the council is committed to ensuring smooth progress of the project.
Drivers Association of Malawi General Secretary, Booster Itika, has government through the Roads Authority to ensure regular inspections of the project to guarantee quality and durability.
Satcp, which focuses on road construction, aims to support Malawi and Mozambique in increasing regional trade coordination while reducing trade costs and travel time.
