By Burnett Munthali
Chiradzulu District Council has launched three infrastructure projects worth K486 million under the reformed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Nyungwe Constituency, targeting improved road connectivity and access to essential social and economic services.
The projects include the construction of Mbenjere Bridge and the grading of two roads, with communities in Traditional Authorities Ntchema, Mpama and Chitera expected to benefit from the developments.
Mbenjere Bridge will be constructed at a cost of K125 million by Mwakilama Construction Company, while Nchimwa Civil Contractors has secured a K142 million contract to grade the Week End–Ntchema Road.
The third project, involving the grading of the Namadzi–Beni Road, has been awarded to Mpetusa at a cost of K219 million.
All three projects are expected to be completed within 90 days in accordance with their contractual agreements.
Member of Parliament for Chiradzulu Nyungwe, Mwayi Ndalama, welcomed the projects, describing them as part of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led administration’s commitment to rural infrastructure development through the reformed CDF.
Ndalama assured constituents that more development initiatives would follow, saying the government was committed to responding to the needs of communities.
He also reminded residents of his campaign promises, particularly those concerning infrastructure development and social protection programmes.
The legislator challenged contractors to deliver quality infrastructure, observe contractual deadlines and ensure value for money.
He said the bridge and road improvements should translate into better mobility, improved livelihoods and increased opportunities for socio-economic activities.
Meanwhile, Senior Traditional Authority Ntchema welcomed the projects but warned community members against colluding with contractors to steal construction materials or engage in practices that could undermine the quality of the works.
He urged residents to safeguard construction materials and ensure that contractors use the resources allocated for the projects to guarantee durable infrastructure.
The Mbenjere Bridge is expected to provide a safer and more convenient crossing for people travelling to Namadzi Trading Centre and Machinjiri in Blantyre, while also improving access for learners at Phinda Primary School.
The grading of the Namadzi–Beni Road is expected to ease transportation to Namadzi Health Centre, Namadzi Primary School and Namadzi Community Day Secondary School.
Similarly, improvements to the Week End–Ntchema Road will strengthen access to Samikwa School, Kachere and Smith trading centres, as well as the headquarters of Senior Traditional Authority Ntchema, where community meetings are regularly conducted.
Chiradzulu District Commissioner Elestina M’mame assured residents that the council would continue implementing CDF projects in accordance with development priorities identified by communities.
Chiradzulu District Council Vice-Chairperson Mphatso Mahata also expressed satisfaction with the number of CDF-funded projects being implemented across the district.
The council has awarded 17 contracts to various contractors, while another 14 projects are awaiting contract awards across the district’s five constituencies of Nyungwe, Masanjala, Nguludi, Thumbwe and Midima.
