The Malawi Government fully funded K8,379,212,098.66 Likoma Jetty Project is fast taking shape after the contractor has overcome all natural challenges that have been slowing down the works and is now optimistic to deliver the project before the end of 2023.
The magnificent jetty designed by WTM Chirwa and Associates and being constructed by MOTA Engil Africa will for once end challenges of transporting passengers and goods to the tourism Island using water transport.
Principal Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Transport, Madalo Nyambose has said that the Ministry is eager to ensure that the project is delivered as soon as possible.
The PSA explained that the construction works stalled because of some challenges including rising water levels in Lake Malawi which forced the contractor to change the initial methodology for constructing the deck.
Speaking during a progress meeting on last week representative for the contractor Wakisa Gondwe said that they are working overtime to ensure that project delivery does not miss the agreed time.
Gondwe said that all required materials are now available on the island with the remaining few to be transported to the island before the end of the month of June.
On his part District Commissioner for Likoma, Abubakar Nkhoma said that the Council is providing all the necessary support to the contractors and other stakeholders to ensure that progress is not hindered.
Nkhoma said the project is a landmark for the district and will bring significant relief in areas of transportation of goods and passengers.
“Lack of a proper jetty increased cases of accidents when people try to get to the land from the ship, further to that transportation of heavy goods was a challenge as it is difficult to take the goods from the ship to land, but with the coming of this jetty all these challenges will be a thing of the past,’ said Nkhoma.
Likoma Island is a key tourism destination which is accessed by air and water.
The improved Jetty which will complement the Airdrome will complete the transport connection to the Island and increase trade, travel and tourism.
So far construction of other structures like Waiting lounge, Restaurant and the Ablution and the Access Road has been completed.