By Chisomo Phiri

Malawi Government says the construction of Kenyatta and Mzimba street roads in the capital Lilongwe will require an additional K24 billion, bringing the total cost to K52 billion from K28 billion.

Minister of Transport Jacob Hara disclosed this on Monday during a tour to appreciate progress of the roads construction in the city.

Initially, the total cost for Kenyatta road construction was at K19 billion and now is at K35 billion whereas Mzimba was at K9 billion, now at K17 billion.

The Minister said this follows a review of the projects cost as a result of the 44 percent devaluation of kwacha which resulted into an increase in the prices of construction materials.

Said Hara:”We have had to review the project costs, and unfortunately, the devaluation of the kwacha has resulted in an increase in the prices of construction materials.

“We will now spend K35 billion kwacha on the construction of Kenyatta road, up from the initial K19 billion kwacha, and K17 billion on Mzimba street, up from K9 billion.”

Despite the increased cost,Hara expressed optimism about the project’s outcome.

“We are committed to delivering high-quality roads that will benefit the people of Lilongwe and the nation as a whole. I am confident that the final product will be worth the investment,” he said.

On his part, Engineer Paul Kulemeka, the consultant for the two projects, assured the Minister that the construction will be completed by the end of December this year.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the projects are completed on time and within the new budget.

“We are committed to delivering quality roads that will meet the needs of the people of Lilongwe,” said Kulemeka.

The construction of Kenyatta and Mzimba street roads is a significant infrastructure development project aimed at improving transportation and reducing congestion in the city of Lilongwe.

The project is expected to have a positive impact on the city’s economy and residents’ quality of life.