By Chisomo Phiri
Concerned citizens in Mangochi calling themselves the Mangochi-Makanjira Road Concerned Citizens and Mangochi Concerned Citizens have threatened to take drastic action against government’s failure to respond to their call to commence construction of the Mangochi-Makanjira Road.
Despite securing funds from development partners, the project has stalled for years.
The concerned citizens had given the Ministry of Transport a 12-day ultimatum to respond, which expired on July 9, 2025, without any official communication.
In an interview with journalists, the Concerned Citizens’ spokesperson, Andrew Masauko Banda, expressed frustration, saying the group feels neglected and plans to take unspecified action.
Commenting on the matter, Roads Authority (RA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Engineer Ammiel Champiti, assured that the government is committed to the project. Champiti revealed that the contractor, Mota-Engil, will receive funds to begin construction, starting with bridges, and that President Lazarus Chakwera has endorsed the funds.
