Chipembere Highway to open for Christmas

The Ministry of Transport and Public Works says motorists in Blantyre will be able to access Chipembere Highway from Chichiri roundabout to Yianakis roundabout before Christmas festivities commence.

Construction works on the road had been stalled for over a year and caused traffic problems to motorists due to congestion.

Minister of Transport and Public Works Sidik Mia on Wednesday said before Christmas, the road will be opened for traffic to reduce congestion over the festive season.

He said this when he toured the progress on the road.

“It is not only about the festive season. As the rainy season approaches the road has to be passable to avoid damages. The final surface needs to be done when it is dry in order to have a durable and up to standard road and that will be done in February,” said Mia.

He said a lot has been done on the road and the progress is impressive.

“The binder course has been done which can be utilised for traffic which is recommendable. We hope that in the next eight months, the whole road will be complete,” Mia said.

Member of Parliament for Blantyre City East John Bande said the opening up of the road will help in increasing business activities within the city.

He said due to increased motor vehicle population, congestion has been the order of the day on the road which resulted in delays in business transactions.

“We are happy that the road will be accessible soon. This will allow motorists to move freely and be able to carry out their daily activities without delays,” said Bande.

Blantyre City Assembly (BCA), which is overseeing construction of the road, said at the moment, strategies have been put in place in terms of fuel reserves to maintain the pace of the work.

BCA Assistant Director of Engineering Ntchindi Mkandawire said even though the country is currently experiencing fuel shortages, the problem will not likely affect the road works.

“At the moment we have already made negotiations with fuel suppliers and we do not see the road works being affected in any way. We also have reserves of 3,000 litres at our offices which is more than enough for a seven day job,” she said.

However, Mkandawire could not disclose what will happen if thing get worse comes to the worst like last years experience on fuel shortage.

“Am not sure what will happen but let’s cross the bridge when we get there,” she said.