Minister issues ultimatum to M1 Road contractor
Minister of Transport and Public Works Jacob Hara has directed the contractor working on the rehabilitation and widening of the M1 Road from Kacheche to Chiweta in the Northern Region to commence the project in two weeks with no excuse.
Hara, who toured the section Wednesday, said it is unfortunate that works on the 66.5 kilometre stretch are taking too long to commence despite being allocated the needed funding and the necessary documentation having been done in time.
He said even though the contractor has made some progress by mobilising equipment on the site and has built campsites, people are interested in the actual work as the road is in bad shape.
Initially, the contractor’s plan was to start the actual works early June this year but, according to Hara, this does not make sense as the project was launched over eight months ago.
“We cannot accept excuses anymore. The machinery is here and the rains are over. We want to see the road taking shape.
“If there is some documentation which has not been done, let them do so as some works progresses. People do want to see the machinery and the campsite; they want to see the road being worked on,” Hara said.
He could not specify what action he will take if his ultimatum is not respected.
According to the contractor, China Henan International Corporation Group, the delay is because they had applied for a licence to be mining gravel and quarry, a process which has apparently taken time to be finalised.
Rumphi District Commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu Chirwa said he has been getting pressure from traditional leaders and other concerned parties affected by the road’s bad shape.
“That is why I agreed with the minister that at least other things should start. Otherwise, we have done our part as a council by providing the land where they can mine gravel and quarry,” Chirwa said.
The €8.5 million project, which is being financed by the European Investment Bank and the Malawi Government, is expected to be completed in June next year.
