By Rahim Abdul
The Zomba City Council has announced plans to reconstruct the Mpondabwino Bridge on the Likangala River, which was recently closed due to structural damage.
The council is currently awaiting expert assessment reports from the Malawi Engineering Institute and MUBAS Polytechnic Lab before commencing the reconstruction work.
According to the Council’s Public Relations Officer, Aubrey Moses, plans are underway to ensure the bridge is completely impassable until the reconstruction is complete.
The closure of the bridge has caused inconvenience to motorists and business people, who are currently using alternative routes.
The bridge is a crucial route for taxis and other vehicles, connecting areas such as Thundu, Mitekete, Thabwani, and Ulumba. Its closure has affected business operations, with traders like Adam Mtendere, a grain maize seller, expressing hope for a quick reconstruction to resume normal business activities.
Drivers, including George Chilipo, have also expressed frustration with the closure, but remain hopeful that the reconstruction will bring lasting improvements.
The council’s commitment to rebuilding the bridge is expected to alleviate the challenges faced by the community and restore normalcy to the area.
The bridge’s structural damage was first noticed in December 2024, prompting the council to close it for traffic.
