Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the 39-kilometre Embangweni–Edingeni Road project, assuring communities that construction works will resume soon.
Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango, M.P, made the assurance during a stakeholder engagement of the project, which was undertaken on the directive of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to assess the state of the road and reassure communities that the project remains a government priority.
"We came here to appreciate the state of the road because people have been worried that the project had come to an end. I want to assure the people of Mzimba that this project will continue until it reaches its destination at Edingeni," said Mhango.
He explained that the road is being implemented in phases, with approximately 20 kilometres planned for construction every 18 months.
The Minister stressed that while Government is committed to accelerating the project, contractors must be given adequate time to deliver quality work.
"We do not want substandard work. The contractor should be allowed the full contractual period necessary to complete the project so that Malawians receive a road built to the required standards," he said.
Rt Hon. Khumbo Hastings Kachali, Member of Parliament for the area welcomed the Government's renewed commitment, describing the stalled project as a major challenge for residents and road users.
"For the past six months, travelling between Edingeni and Embangweni has been a nightmare because the road has deteriorated significantly. We are encouraged that the Minister has personally visited the project together with officials from the Ministry, Roads Authority, Road Fund Administration and the contractor. This gives us confidence that construction will resume," said Kachali.
Roads Authority Chief Executive Officer Engineer Joel Longwe said the project involves upgrading 39 kilometres of road from Embangweni through Edingeni to Engaraweni and was originally scheduled for completion within 24 months.
"The contractor has assured us that works will resume next week as Government addresses the outstanding contractual issues. The immediate priority will be to reinstate sections of the road that have deteriorated during the period when construction was suspended," said Longwe.
Once completed, the Embangweni–Edingeni Road is expected to improve transport connectivity in the northern region, enhancing access to markets and essential services for communities along the road.