The Roads Authority (RA) has identified a contractor to construct nine major bridges along the 100-kilometre Mangochi-Makanjira Road.
According to officials, the works will be funded by the World Bank at a cost of $24 million.
Roads and Bridges Component Project Coordinator Jarrison Chilongo said RA is currently observing the 14- day standstill period, during which unsuccessful bidders have an opportunity to raise any queries regarding the procurement process.
“We are hoping that if we receive any queries, we will be able to address them within the 14 days so that we can proceed with our planned arrangements. We hope that by mid-July, we will be able to sign the contract and hand over all sites to the contractor,” Chilongo said.
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He added that all designs have been approved and adapted to the weather conditions along the Mangochi-Makanjira Road, an area that receives large volumes of water flowing from Mozambique into Lake Malawi.
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“The bridges are being constructed in response to weather-related challenges, including cyclones that have affected Malawi.
“We want to build bridges that can withstand extreme weather events. We will also pave 200 metres on either side of each bridge to protect them from running water and flooding,” Chilongo said.
He said, through the Regional Climate Resilience Programme, the project is also helping local communities become more resilient to water-related climate shocks.
“We have compensated affected people and trained them on how to use the money sustainably. Our belief is that development projects should not create problems for the communities they are intended to benefit,” he said.
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Mangochi District Council Chairperson Illiyasa Sauzande welcomed the development, saying the council was pleased that the project was progressing.
“We have been working closely with Roads Authority officials and other stakeholders on the planning process. This is a relief for the people of Mangochi who depend on this road,” Sauzande said.
