By Twink Jones Gadama

The people of Neno District in Malawi have reason to celebrate as the long-awaited construction of the Neno tarmac road has finally commenced. The project, valued at K35.7 billion, is expected to transform the socio-economic landscape of the district, improving mobility, trade, and overall quality of life.

At a ceremony held at Ligowe Village, Traditional Authority Mlauli, Neno District Council’s District Disaster Risk Management Officer, Brighton Mphinga, expressed gratitude to the contractor, CR-20, and the government for making this project a reality. “In almost 50 years, Neno has been without a tarmac road. We are happy that a contractor has come to construct the road,” Mphinga said.

The 20-kilometer road, stretching from Ligowe Village to Neno Stadium, will be constructed within 18 months. CR-20 took over the project after the government terminated China Geos’ contract. Patricia Kwada, representing Senior Chief Mlauli, emphasized the project’s significance, “Commodities in Neno are more expensive due to poor road infrastructure. This road will make commodities affordable and improve economic activities.”

CR-20’s Construction Manager, Towa Mzumala, assured the community of a high-quality road, designed with extra space for motorcycles and pedestrians. “We will satisfy the community’s needs by finishing the road within the specified period. We look forward to continued good relations with Neno District Council and community members.”

The project’s benefits extend beyond transportation:

The Neno District Council and community members are optimistic about the project’s impact. With CR-20’s commitment to quality and timely completion, the people of Neno are eager to reap the benefits of this significant investment.

As Mphinga aptly put it, “This commencement is a move in the right direction towards socio-economic development.” The Neno road construction project marks a new era of growth and development for the district, and its residents eagerly await the finished product.